Former Argentina President Alberto Fernandez has been formally ordered to stand trial on corruption charges stemming from the handling of government insurance policies during his presidency (2019-2023).
According to a ruling issued Thursday by Judge Sebastian Casanello, Fernandez will be prosecuted for “negotiations incompatible with the exercise of public office.” Mariana Barbitta, the former president’s lawyer, has confirmed the ruling.
The charges against the 66-year-old Fernandez center on allegations of fraudulent administration. Prosecutors contend that his administration improperly utilized brokers – one of whom is alleged to have had connections to the presidential office – to obtain insurance policies. These policies, it is argued, could have been negotiated directly by the government, saving taxpayer money.
In his order, Judge Casanello highlighted a key action taken during Fernandez’s presidency: In December 2021, Fernandez issued a decree mandating that the entire public sector secure insurance exclusively through Nacion Seguros SA. At the time, Nacion Seguros SA was led by Alberto Pagliano, who is described as a friend of Fernandez.
This decree reportedly led to a significant increase in business and financial gains for Nacion Seguros SA.
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Investigators further allege that the primary broker involved in securing these deals was the husband of Fernandez’s personal secretary.
As the case proceeds, the court has ordered a freeze on approximately $10 million of Fernandez’s assets, as stated in Thursday’s ruling.
In addition to Fernandez, approximately 33 other individuals are named in the legal proceedings. Mr. Fernandez has yet to issue a public statement regarding the charges.
After serving a single term as president, Fernandez did not seek re-election. He was succeeded by Javier Milei, who assumed the presidency in December 2023.
The corruption allegations initially came to light during a separate investigation. A court ordered a review of the phone of Fernandez’s secretary while investigating assault claims made against Fernandez by his former partner, Fabiola Yanez.
Ms. Yanez has accused Fernandez of domestic abuse during their relationship, which concluded after his departure from office. He is currently scheduled to face a separate trial on these charges.
The Peronist movement, a leftist political force that has played a dominant role in Argentine politics for much of the post-war era, has faced repeated allegations of corruption.
Moreover, former President Cristina Kirchner, a prominent figure within the Peronist movement, is currently serving a six-year sentence under house arrest following her conviction on fraud charges related to public works contracts awarded during her two terms in office.
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