Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández stated that the Peronist movement has been making mistakes for a long time and is struggling to connect with society. He argued that the challenge lies in «not seeking culprits to maintain unity».
Fernández emphasized the need for a new, autonomous generation within Peronism, separate from the events of the last 20 years. In an interview on AM 750 radio, he declared: «I never recognized Cristina as a political leader; the only political leader I had was Néstor.»
He warned that «it's difficult for us to understand the public's demands, no one is safe; we are not managing to engage with them.» He added that he is «surprised that Peronism, which was born on the streets, is so afraid of listening to the people.»
Regarding the Governor of Buenos Aires Province, Axel Kicillof, Fernández asked for respect and support: «To say that the fault lies with Kicillof is a complicated position. We have to stop mistreating them; they are not soldiers but political leaders.»
Fernández called for a generational renewal in Peronism, remarking: «A generation of replacements must appear, and I am among the replaced.»
The former president also commented on his relationship with Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, stating: «One day I will tell exactly how things were with Cristina.» He acknowledged that the movement is going through a complex phase and that blaming Kicillof is an «enormity» that harms the presidential project.
He defended the role of mayors, calling them «great officials when they are summoned» and noting he always fought for their innocence. Regarding Kicillof's potential presidential candidacy, Fernández said: «For Axel to be able to be president, he has to do a good job, and he is, but he needs deputies, senators, and a united party to govern.»
He also defined his views on governance and national politics: «We were the government with the lowest unemployment rate in democracy. Unity is necessary, but not sufficient.» Fernández lamented not being able to contain inflation and commented on his policy towards the IMF: «Saying no to the IMF was a banner I wanted to raise; borrowing from the Fund is a bad idea, but much worse is doing so with the Treasury.»
Fernández denounced being «a victim of a process of social cancellation in which the media were great accomplices» and vowed to «keep fighting for the truth.»
He concluded with a phrase that summarizes his political vision: «With Cristina, it definitely isn't enough, but she is needed. I was never disloyal; loyalty also means telling her she is wrong.»
