Argentine politics enters a new phase of tension. Former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, leader of the opposition Justicialist Party (PJ), warned this weekend that she could be arrested in the coming days. The Supreme Court of Justice is about to rule on the “Vialidad” case, which could result in a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office.

Surprise candidacy amid judicial pressure

Expectations are rising as Fernández strengthens her political profile with a surprise candidacy as a provincial deputy for the Third Electoral Section of Buenos Aires Province in the September 7 elections. In a fiery speech during a party event in Paso de los Libres, Corrientes, the former president denounced judicial and media pressure aimed at preventing her from running:

“The announcement came out and the demons were unleashed. They started asking from everywhere to put me in prison. If I’m so finished, why don’t they defeat me politically? Look how I tremble,” Cristina Kirchner ironically said.

The Vialidad case haunts her

The Vialidad case investigates the misdirection of 51 public works projects in Santa Cruz during her administrations (2007–2015) in favor of companies linked to businessman Lázaro Báez. In December 2022, a federal oral court convicted her of fraudulent administration. In 2024, the Criminal Cassation Chamber upheld that conviction. Fernández appealed to the Supreme Court, which is now in the final deliberation stage.

Possible Supreme Court ruling imminent

According to judicial sources, the high court’s decision could be announced on Tuesday, June 11. Local media also reported that Judge Jorge Gorini, president of Federal Oral Tribunal 2, recently visited Federal Police facilities to evaluate possible detention sites.

Fear of political proscription

Her political circle warns that a judicial ruling before July 19 (the deadline to officialize candidacies) would imply political proscription. Cristina publicly denounced this:

“They aimed at my face because they want me imprisoned or dead. But what they will never be able to prevent is the return of the people, with their history and identity,” she said, recalling the failed assassination attempt in September 2022 outside her home.

Mobilization and confrontation ahead

Meanwhile, several Peronist leaders have launched a mobilization in support of the former president. National legislators and social organizations are preparing demonstrations in the coming hours, which could turn into a new confrontation between Kirchnerism and the Judiciary.

A ruling that could reshape Argentina’s political landscape

The confirmation or rejection of the court ruling will mark a before and after in Argentine politics. If the Supreme Court upholds the conviction and orders immediate enforcement, Cristina Fernández could be detained in the middle of the electoral process, profoundly changing the landscape ahead of the legislative elections.

Whatever the outcome, the case puts the power of the judiciary over influential political leaders and the balance of powers in a democracy under tension back at the center of the debate.