MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

CFK recalls in tears that eight years ago her husband took office as president

The Argentine president and Governor Capitanich

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner with eyes full of tears and a shaky voice recalled that eight years ago 25 May 2003 her late husband Nestor Kirchner took office and called on Argentines to build a different country and a different society.

Mrs. Cristina Kirchner and her ministerial cabinet visited Wednesday the northern province of Chaco to participate in the official celebration of Argentina’s 201 anniversary of the May Revolution which opened the way for the independence of the country from the Spanish crown.

She addressed the country on national television to underline the significance of the May Revolution (25 May 1810) and its spirit for future generations.

“It’s not an easy day for the president,” she said with tears in her eyes, adding that “eight years ago, I was sitting on my Senator seat along with (governor) Capitanich, seeing how my life partner was sworn in”.

After thanking the audience and the local and national authorities who were listening to her televised speech, President Cristina Fernández praised his late husband’s government and life. “I am sure he is happy because he lived the life he wanted to live and because he saw his dreams of youth come true,” she stressed.

Nestor Kirchner a relatively unknown political figure and governor from Santa Cruz province in Patagonia with a population of just over 200.000 rapidly became a national candidate sponsored by caretaker president Eduardo Duhalde in the aftermath of the 2001/02 default and melting of the Argentine economy.

Elected president in 2003, a couple of years later he was in total command of the Argentine state structure, of the ruling Peronist party, had brokered a deal with the powerful unions movement and had broken with his mentor Duhalde.

“I only ask God for one thing: that he gives me and all Argentine people the strength, integrity, greatness, humility and solidarity that we all need to build a different country and a different society,” she exclaimed.

CFK arrived earlier in the day at the international airport of Resistencia, capital of Chaco, shortly before noon and then participated at the traditional Te Deum which was offered by the town’s Archbishop, Monsignor Fabriciano Sigampa, at the local Cathedral.

Following the religious ceremony, the President received the greetings from local and foreign authorities. CFK´s visit is her seventh to the city of Resistencia during her term and the first time the province of Chaco has hosted the main May Revolution celebrations.

Governor Jorge Capitanich, 47, is a successful politician and a close political ally of Mrs. Kirchner who has been Senator, cabinet chief and for a short spell Economy minister.
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