Journalist Jonatan Viale launched harsh criticism against Alberto Fernández, accusing him of using the pandemic for political purposes and managing the Quinta de Olivos in a discretionary manner during his term. In his program "¿La Ves?", Viale labeled the former president as a "brutalist" and "party-goer," recalling his management during the health crisis. Viale stated that thousands of Argentines died due to Fernández's management and accused him of using isolation as an electoral strategy, referring to the extension of the quarantine as the longest in the world.
In response to Viale's criticisms, Alberto Fernández has not made any statements so far. In his closing remarks, Viale reaffirmed his accusations and stated that he will not be intimidated by his detractors. "Because of you, thousands of Argentines died because you were happy with your shitty poll, which gave you 80%," the journalist expressed. He also accused the former president of maintaining the quarantine to preserve a positive image and gain electoral benefits. Viale even claimed that Fernández turned the Quinta de Olivos into a cabaret during the lockdown.
Viale's statements provoked intense debate on social media, reigniting criticism of the government's handling of the pandemic. In his editorial, the journalist reiterated his accusations and questioned the use of the official residence during the quarantine. Referring to former Economy Minister Martín Guzmán's statements, Viale argued that the prolonged quarantine was used as a political tool to strengthen the Government. "Alberto, shut your mouth. Don't hit women. In my life, I've never laid a hand on a woman," Viale concluded, in a challenging tone towards the former president.
