The recent detention of Senator Edgardo Kueider in Paraguay has caused political torment in Argentina, with a cross of statements between Vice President Victoria Villarruel and ex-President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The legislator was arrested in the Paraguayan cabecera of the Puente de la Amistad, near Ciudad del Este, in pose of a sum of millions of dollars without declarar. This episode caused an intense controversy, which spread to social networks and the legislative sphere, reviving tensions between the official and the opposition.
Edgardo Kueider, who until recently was identified as part of the Frente de Todos, was held by the Paraguayan authorities with more than 200 million actual dollars, 600 million Argentine pesos and 3.9 million Brazilian reals, all without corresponding declaration . According to official information, the money was found during a routine check at the border crossing between Paraguay and Brazil. Before the local press, Kueider denied that the money belonged to her and declared: «I'm innocent, the money wasn't mine. I want to give my version before taxation.”
This episode generated a strong exchange of accusations between key figures in Argentine politics, with Vice President Villarruel and Cristina Kirchner as the main protagonists.
Villarruel responds to Cristina Kirchner's criticisms
Victoria Villarruel, in her role as vice president, was quick to react to criticism from former president and senator Cristina Kirchner, who called for the official decision to designate Kueider as president of the Comisión de Asuntos Costitucionales of the Senate. Through his social networks, Villarruel launched a series of messages full of reproaches towards Kirchner, who was accused of lacking moral integrity.
“Señora Jefa de la Banda, at least I would like to know that you are clean when you are more slutty than a girl,” wrote Villarruel in a desafiating tone. He also said that Kueider was elected part of the Peronist career in 2019 and that he was also considered affiliated with the political space led by Kirchner. “Senator Kueider came in with his list, together with his people, and was then part of the party that we were president of,” he added.
Villarruel also took the opportunity to highlight Kirchner's responsibility in the current political situation, defining his conduct as a burden for the country. «With time, history will reflect the things in its place. In the meantime, have the minimum dignity not to follow tormenting the Argentine community”, concluded the vice president in her publication.
Cristina Kirchner disparaged against Villarruel and el oficialismo
For her part, Cristina Kirchner used her social networks to harshly criticize both Villarruel and the government of Javier Milei, accused of using questionable maneuvers to maintain legislative control. In a message full of irony, Kirchner defined Kueider's detention as a reflection of the “democratic army” that, after her, was paid to secure the necessary votes in Congress.
«The Argentine senator detained by the Paraguayan authorities took hundreds of thousands of dollars without declaring. Edgardo Kueider, who passed as a Peronist to vote with the government of Milei, was designated by Villarruel as president of the Comisión de Asuntos Constitucionales del Senado», wrote Kirchner, in a clear intent to win the case with the political strategies of the official.
The ex-president also encouraged the government to use these alliances to advance while, in turn, harming popular mayors. «This is how you consiguen los votes para leyes que denan a thousand Argentinians to the poor or allow the Minister of Economy to end up even more to the country», he denounces.
Reactions of Kirchnerism
The controversy also generated reactions within Kirchnerism. Senator Juliana Di Tullio, alias Cristina Kirchner, shared an image on the social network in which she ironically addressed Villarruel. «Sos vos, Vittoria Villarruel? Will this be the day you decide to designate Kueider as president of the Comisión de Asuntos Constitucionales?
The episode also served as an excuse to react to criticism of Milei's government, which is asked to maintain alliances with figures in question to guarantee governability. Of Kirchnerism, it is believed that Kueider's appointment to the bicameral commission that supervises the intelligence bodies was a political manipulation that now faces serious consequences.
Political and economic consequences
The Kueider case not only generated intense political debate, but also raised questions about the transparency and legality of appeals within the public sphere. The large amount of undeclared money found in the senator's power has prompted speculation about possible illicit activity, which could arise from broader investigations in both Argentina and Paraguay.
Furthermore, this episode increases tension in an already polarized Congress, as the charges faced become even more difficult for the possibility of moving forward on key legislative projects. As far as officialdom is concerned, the scandal represents a blow to its image, while for the opposition there is an opportunity to question the legitimacy of political friends who support the government.
Kueider's future and the impact on the Senate
In the coming weeks, Kueider will face court proceedings in Paraguay, where he will investigate the origin of the money found in his power. Although the senator has maintained his innocence and denied any ties to commercial or illegal activities, the case has already left a mark on his political career.
While in Argentina the case continues to be used as a political weapon by both sides of the party spectrum. Both Villarruel and Cristina Kirchner have approved the situation to strengthen their narratives and blame each other for the problems they encounter in the country.
The development of this case could have significant implications not only for Kueider, but also for the political dynamic of the Senate and for public perceptions of the political leaders involved. In a context of growing distrust of institutions, the case is one of the most important registers of the challenges that Argentina has faced in its fight for transparency and political stability.
