Kirchner, Néstor (1950-2010), was president of Argentina from 2003 to 2007. As president, he worked to increase economic growth during a period of financial hardship for the country. Kirchner was a member of the Justicialist Party (PJ), also called the Peronists after former Argentine President Juan Perón . In general, the PJ supports populist polices—that is, policies aiming to help common people.
Nestor Carlos Kirchner was born on Feb. 25, 1950, in Río Gallegos, in southern Argentina. He studied law at the National University of La Plata. In 1974, he met fellow student Cristina Fernández . The couple got married in 1975. They moved to Néstor’s home province of Santa Cruz and established a law practice there. Kirchner briefly was imprisoned for his political beliefs during Argentina’s military dictatorship of 1976 to 1983 (see Argentina (The 1970’s military dictatorship) ). Soon after democracy returned to the country, Kirchner became active in local politics. In 1987, he was elected mayor of Río Gallegos.
Beginning in 1991, Kirchner was elected governor of Santa Cruz province for three consecutive four-year terms. As governor, he was critical of President Carlos Menem for implementing free-market economic policies imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) . The IMF is an organization that provides loans to member nations, often on the condition that those nations change their economic policies. Kirchner also was critical of Menem for reversing some social welfare legislation.
In 2003, Kirchner and Menem both ran for the presidency. Neither candidate received enough votes to win the election on the first ballot. Menem withdrew from the race before a run-off election could be held. Kirchner then became president.
Kirchner took office at a time of economic and political turmoil in Argentina. The economy was recovering from an economic crisis that had occurred in 2001 (see Argentina (The economic crisis of 2001) ). Kirchner implemented policies that aided economic growth. For example, he expanded trading partnerships with countries in South America, East Asia, and the Middle East. He also worked to strengthen Mercosur , a South American trade association.
Kirchner often supported public strikes against private corporations and against such international organizations as the IMF and the World Bank . In 2003, he negotiated the refinancing of a large debt that Argentina owed the IMF. The refinancing enabled Argentina to maintain its social welfare spending. In 2005, Argentina repaid $10 billion to the IMF to signify that it intended to rely less on the agency for credit. Kirchner’s government also ended amnesty (pardon) for military officers who had committed human rights violations during the 1976-1983 dictatorship. As a result, military officers could be prosecuted for such violations. Kirchner’s actions on the IMF debt and the amnesty laws won him strong popular support.
Kirchner did not run for reelection in 2007. Instead, he supported his wife’s successful presidential campaign. Rumors circulated that Kirchner would run again for president in 2011. However, he died suddenly of a heart attack on Oct. 27, 2010.
See also Argentina (History) ; Fernández de Kirchner, Cristina .
