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Argentina: President Fernandez achieves landslide victory

Dunya News

Argentina's Fernandez celebrates with thousands of supporters after landslide re-election.

Argentinas fiery centre-leftist president, Cristina Fernandez, celebrated on Sunday after sweeping to a landslide re-election victory, crowning a comeback that seemed unthinkable for much of her turbulent first term.As results continued to roll in, Fernandez had 53 percent support, 36 percentage points ahead of her nearest rival, socialist candidate Hermes Binner.No Argentine leader has won such a big share of the vote since General Juan Domingo Peron was elected for the third time with 62 percent in 1973, and tens of thousands of jubilant Fernandez supporters celebrated.At her election headquarters, an emotional Fernandez evoked her husband, former President Nestor Kirchner.Kirchner died a year ago and many thought it spelled the end of the couples idiosyncratic blend of state intervention, nationalist rhetoric and the championing of human rights.Instead, it prompted a wave of nostalgia for the best years of Kirchners 2003-2007 presidency and sympathy for a woman who suddenly seemed more likeable.After speaking at her bunker, Fernandez then went to speak to a crowd of tens of thousands gathered at the square in front of the pink presidential palace. Fireworks, flags bearing the image of Perons famous wife Evita and Peronist songs filled the square as the president spoke.Sundays result marks a dramatic change of fortunes for a leader who some critics once said might have to leave power early as angry protests by farmers and middle-class voters battered her approval ratings soon after she took office.Generous social spending to expand pensions coverage and child welfare benefits have won her a loyal base of voters.A skilled orator fond of glamorous clothes and make-up, Fernandez still wears black as she mourns her husband and closest advisor. His image featured heavily in her campaign.Meanwhile, Binner, the most palatable candidate in a splintered opposition, met with his followers, vowing to press on.Despite double-digit inflation and other signs of strain as global conditions worsen, Argentinas economy is growing at about 8 percent a year and has regained some of its glory as the breadbasket of the world as grains shipments rise. Unemployment is at a 20-year low.
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