Don’t cry for me Argentina. The truth is I never left you …
The words of Madonna (and Evita) will ring true in the hearts of Argentinians today more than ever. This evening, many will respond to a Twitter calling to gather together in the Plaza de Mayo to mourn the passing of the nation’s ex-president and current first husband, Nestor Kirchner.
Sixty-year-old Kirchner died of a heart attack with his wife, current Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, by his side. All of Buenos Aires has taken to the streets holding signs that read, “Cristina, you are not alone,” “Now more than ever, all with Cristina” and “Nestor, you are the one who made my dreams come true. Cristina we are with you.”
Kirchner came from humble beginnings. His mother was a Chilean of Croatian decent and his father, a postman, was from Swiss German decent. His heavy lisp, lanky stature and lack of charisma all made his rise to power unlikely; however, rise, he did. Kirchner was the single most influential person in Argentinean politics over the last decade.
Kirchner will famously be known for his integral role in bringing the country back from the brink of financial crisis in 2001-2002. He’s credited with reshaping the country from a dictatorial Peronism regime to what’s now a center-left government known as Kirchnerism. Kirchner, an advocate for the victims of Argentina’s former dictatorship and a promoter of human rights, brought military officers who were suspected of abuses to trial.
As some politicians can be, Kirchner and his wife were seen as a decisive and divisive duo. However, his large, strong base of supporters are loyal and absolute. His fans were known informally as pingüinos (“penguins”), in honor of his birthplace in the cold southern region of Argentina. Kircher, himself was the head penguin, fondly known simply as, “The Penguin.”
International officials are joining in the condolence effort. Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez tweeted, “Oh, my dear Cristina, How much pain! What a great loss for Argentina and our America to suffer! Long live Kirchner forever!!” President Barack Obama stated that Kirchner, “played a significant role in the political life of Argentina.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that, “Nestor Kirchner was an advocate for the citizens of Argentina.”
He was a favored candidate in Argentina’s upcoming 2011 elections. Sadly, that will not be able to happen but his legacy as a political powerhouse will live on in the pages of Argentinean history.
Learn more about the death of Nestor Kirchner here.
Photo by (lo de daniel) via Flickr.