US Bans Argentine Ex-President Kirchner Over Corruption

The United States has imposed a travel ban on former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her former Planning Minister Julio Miguel De Vido, citing significant corruption allegations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the ban, accusing them of orchestrating bribery schemes that led to millions being embezzled from public works contracts, and this decision renders them and their immediate families ineligible for US entry. Fernandez de Kirchner, who served as Argentina's president from 2007 to 2015, has been sentenced to six years in prison for corruption, although she remains free due to her vice-presidential immunity. The ban is expected to influence Argentina's upcoming midterm elections and has caused tension between Fernandez de Kirchner and current President Javier Milei, a US ally. Fernandez de Kirchner, now leading the Peronist opposition, continues to wield significant political influence in Argentina despite her legal challenges.