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The U.S. government announced on Friday sanctions against the former president of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (2007-2015), and former Federal Planning Minister Julio De Vido, due to their involvement in corruption cases during their time in office.
The Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced through an official statement that the designation, made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, prevents both Kirchner and De Vido, along with their immediate family members, from entering the United States.
Rubio detailed that Kirchner and De Vido "abused their public positions by orchestrating and financially benefiting from multiple bribery schemes related to public works contracts," which resulted in the diversion of millions of dollars from the Argentine government.
According to the statement, multiple courts have convicted both former officials for corruption, which has eroded public and investor confidence in Argentina's future.
"The designation of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Julio De Vido underscores the commitment of the United States to the fight against corruption worldwide, even at the highest levels of government," Rubio stated in the official declaration.
The sanctions are outlined in Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately disclose the designations of foreign officials involved in significant corruption or serious human rights violations.
The United States has indicated that it will continue to promote accountability for those who abuse public power for personal gain.
In 2022, Fernández de Kirchner was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption related to road public works in Santa Cruz, a process that took place between 2003 and 2015, in addition to receiving a lifetime disqualification from holding public office.
The then Argentine vice president, who did not go to prison due to the immunity granted by her position in the government, listened to her verdict live from her office in the Senate and commented that her punishment "is not a sentence under the laws of the Constitution or the Penal Code."
Argentina's judiciary was seeking 12 years in prison for the official due to irregularities in the awarding of public works during her presidency from 2007 to 2015, the country's Public Prosecutor's Office reported before the trial.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Sanctions on Cristina Kirchner and Marco Rubio's Foreign Policy
Why did the United States sanction Cristina Kirchner?
The United States sanctioned Cristina Kirchner for her involvement in corruption cases during her term as president of Argentina. She is accused of orchestrating and financially benefiting from bribery schemes related to public works contracts, resulting in the diversion of millions of dollars from the Argentine government.
What does Section 7031(c) imply that was used to sanction Kirchner?
Section 7031(c) of the U.S. State Department allows for the public designation of foreign officials involved in significant corruption or gross human rights violations. This measure prohibits those sanctioned and their immediate family members from entering the United States. In Kirchner's case, it underscores the U.S. commitment to the fight against corruption on a global scale.
What is Marco Rubio's stance on U.S. foreign policy towards Cuba?
Marco Rubio has taken a tough stance towards the Cuban regime, supporting measures such as expanding the list of restricted Cuban entities and keeping Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. His approach aims to promote accountability for the Cuban regime regarding its oppressive actions and human rights violations.
How has the Trump administration influenced relations between the U.S. and Latin America?
The Trump administration, with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, has toughened its policy towards authoritarian regimes in Latin America, such as those in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Economic sanctions and immigration restrictions have been implemented, aiming to weaken these governments and support the restoration of democracy in the region.
What measures has the U.S. taken against companies linked to the Cuban regime?
The United States has sanctioned companies such as Orbit S.A., controlled by the Cuban military conglomerate GAESA, prohibiting transactions with these entities to prevent resources from flowing into sectors that oppress the Cuban people. This measure is part of a broader effort to tighten U.S. policy towards Cuba.
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