Corruption in Argentina: Impunity persists among powerful figures and the judicial system.

The corruption network that has shaken Argentina over the past two decades continues to generate noise in the halls of justice and in public opinion. The recent media attention on emblematic figures of this web, such as Lázaro Báez and Cristina Kirchner, reveals the complexity and depth of the phenomenon that has permeated the structures of power. Báez, a Kirchnerist businessman, has seen his legal situation fluctuate between convictions and acquittals, reflecting the uncertainty that characterizes such cases in the country. Lázaro Báez was convicted of "aggravated money laundering," yet he managed to be acquitted in another case in Chaco. Despite this, his freedom remains intact, as does that of other convicted individuals linked to Kirchnerism. This pattern of impunity, where many former officials have maintained their freedoms while facing charges, highlights one of the most persistent criticisms of the Argentine judicial system: the lack of effective consequences for those who have held power. Cristina Kirchner, who has been a central figure in this web, faces a complicated landscape. With multiple cases against her, from the infamous Vialidad case to the Cuadernos case, her judicial future remains uncertain. The six-year sentence she received in 2022 for the Vialidad case is currently under appeal, allowing her to remain free while the justice system decides her fate. This situation has sparked intense debate about the fairness of the judicial system, where the most powerful seem to have greater opportunities to evade prison. The Cuadernos case, emblematic for its revealing nature regarding corruption in public works, has yet to advance to oral trial. This raises serious questions about the speed of justice and whether there is truly a political will to dismantle the corruption structures that have been entrenched in public administration. The prolonged wait for trials to begin has led many to question whether the system is designed to protect the powerful rather than serve the citizens. Among the most notorious figures in this saga is Amado Boudou, the former Vice President of the Nation, who has gone through various judicial stages, from actual imprisonment to parole. His conviction in the Ciccone Calcográfica case, where he was found guilty of corruption, has not prevented him from maintaining contact with other former officials, indicating that the networks of complicity and support among them remain intact. The situation of other former officials is equally concerning. José López, who was caught trying to hide nearly ten million dollars in a convent, received a sentence that seems to have had little lasting impact on his freedom. Although he was imprisoned, he is now free, reinforcing the perception that penalties are not proportional to the severity of the crimes charged against them. Among the convicted, Milagro Sala, leader of the Tupac Amaru organization, continues to be a symbol of the fight against corruption, having been sentenced to 13 years in prison for crimes of illicit association and fraud. Her situation has sparked extensive debate about the political use of justice, especially in a context where the impartiality of the judicial system is questioned. Other former officials, such as Julio de Vido and Ricardo Jaime, have accumulated sentences totaling over 20 years, although they have largely managed to evade actual imprisonment thanks to cooperation with the authorities. This raises the question of whether the judicial system is truly designed to punish the guilty or if it has become a means to negotiate freedom in exchange for information. The judicial situation of figures like Guillermo Moreno and Juan Pablo Schiavi, who also face corruption charges, highlights the need for radical changes in how the Argentine state addresses corruption. The delays in processes and the lack of effective penalties have led many citizens to lose faith in a system that should protect their rights and ensure justice. Finally, former president Alberto Fernández is under scrutiny for several cases, ranging from violating his own quarantine to acts of gender violence. This scenario not only exposes the fragility of institutions in Argentina but also underscores the urgent need for deep reforms in the political and judicial system that allow for effective combat against corruption and restore society's trust in its leaders. The fight against corruption is a long and complicated path, but Argentine society seems increasingly willing to demand transparency and justice.