Kirchnerist Justice: Handpicked Judges and Guaranteed Impunity

In a Republic of the caliber of Argentina, where the Judiciary should be the bastion of justice, the reality is far from that ideal proposed by the National Constitution.

There is no freedom without justice, justice that since the year 2000 has apparently been systematically undermined by the influence and power wielded by Kirchnerism.

Since the fall of the radicals with De la Rúa at the hands of the supposed coup orchestrated by Peronism in 2001 and the rise to power of Néstor Kirchner in 2003, a clear pattern has been observed: the systematic appointment of judges loyal to political power.

The strategy is not new, but it is effective. Through intricate paths, the Judiciary was flooded with magistrates and prosecutors who, out of loyalty or convenience, are fully willing to look the other way when it comes to investigating the government or its associates.

For those who don't know, the Council of the Magistracy, together with the "Honorable" Senate of the Nation, is responsible for selecting and disciplining judges.

This vital body of the judicial system has been manipulated to ensure that judges are appointed who are lawyers with infinite party loyalty and, at the same time, once appointed, they do not have to face the sanctions they might encounter for laxly applying the law.

Such is the manipulation that, out of a total of 703 magistrates appointed to date, Cristina K. takes the first place with 233 appointments, Néstor K. 77, Alberto F. 137, making a grand total of 447 active judges. The remaining are distributed among Mauricio M. 191, Carlos M. 46, Fernando DLR. 10, Eduardo D. 10, and Ricardo A. 2.

Judges appointed at will during Kirchnerism:

Ana María Figueroa: Former judge of the Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation, known for her delay in handling corruption cases involving high-ranking Kirchnerist officials. Her retirement was a scandal, as she tried to remain in office despite having exceeded the age limit.

Daniel Rafecas: Proposed by Kirchnerism for the Attorney General's Office, his figure has been heavily questioned for dismissing key complaints, such as the one filed by the late prosecutor Alberto Nisman against Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for the pact with Iran.

Alejo Ramos Padilla: Magistrate with strong political ties, noted for his role in the illegal espionage case that ended up benefiting Kirchnerism. His rise to the strategic Federal Court No. 1 of La Plata, with electoral jurisdiction in the province of Buenos Aires, was interpreted as a key move to ensure control over the elections.

Article 9 of Decree Law No. 1285/1958 states: "The judiciary is incompatible with any political activity(...)". Wisely, the regulation puts a stop to party affiliations, which is curious given that today groups like "Legitimate Justice" bring together judges and prosecutors who do not hide their affinity with Kirchnerism under any circumstances.

An association that, according to many laypeople, is seen as another arm of K power, willing to defend the ideas and political figures to whom they pay homage at all costs.

The Supreme Court of Justice itself has not been immune to this influence; with questioned appointments and pressures for certain judges to resign or retire, there has been a constant effort to form a cabinet aligned with party needs. This not only affects the resolution of key cases but also undermines trust both nationally and internationally.

The lack of renewal of judicial personnel, the use of surrogate judges to manipulate the composition of the courts, which currently number 423 (including Courts, Prosecutor's Offices, and Public Defender's Offices), and the political pressures to influence decision-making are clear symptoms of a wearing down of judicial independence.

Argentine citizens have seen how corruption cases and other crimes involving Kirchnerist officials at all levels fade away or drag on in the courts, while cases against opponents progress with a speed that is at least suspicious.

The Republic urgently needs an independent Judiciary and cleansed of any political position. The true judicial reform must begin with the purging of political influence, ensuring that judges are selected for their merit, integrity, and above all, for their commitment to the law, morality, and good customs.

The independence of the Judiciary in Argentina is an illusion as long as Kirchnerism continues to have the ability to appoint and manipulate judges.

This will be impossible to reverse as long as the Senate is controlled by them, as well as the Council of the Magistracy, essential parts in this entire system where influences and favors are trafficked. It is time for Argentine society to demand a true justice, impartial and free from the chains of political power.