The calculation made by economist Ariel Coremberg estimates that Kirchnerism may have diverted more than US$42.5 billion between 2004 and 2015 in bribes
On Thursday, the oral trial for the Cuadernos case officially began, a historic process involving Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Julio De Vido, José López and 86 other defendants for alleged bribes between 2003 and 2015. In that context, a shocking fact once again brought to the center of the debate the true cost of Kirchnerist corruption.
During his program on Radio Mitre, journalist Eduardo Feinmann revealed an estimated figure that left his listeners stunned: more than 42.5 billion dollars would be the total amount that Kirchnerism allegedly diverted through bribes and kickbacks from public works. "According to the testimonies of repentant businessmen in the Cuadernos case, an assessment was made of how much money it is, and the total came to 42.593 billion dollars," Feinmann stated, based on an economic study conducted by Ariel Coremberg, economist at UBA and the Productivity Observatory.
Mientras millones de argentinos sobreviven con salarios mínimos, la ex mandataria reclama la restitución de más de 21 millones de pesos mensuales.
Coremberg specified on Radio Continental that "based on the statements in the case," the total amount of bribes between 2004 and 2015 would amount to about US$ 42.5 billion, equivalent to 7% of Argentina's Gross Domestic Product. However, he clarified that this is an extrapolated estimate, not an official figure set by the court.
The calculation was constructed considering the "possible accumulated corruption in public investment and subsidies for energy and transportation" throughout the Kirchnerist governments, updated to November 2015 values.
Feinmann highlighted the magnitude of the number with concrete examples: "That is equivalent to 104% of this year's gross reserves of the Central Bank. They stole more than the reserves. To make it clear: it is equivalent to 295 years of the Garrahan Hospital's budget, ten full years of the Ministry of Health, and eight years of the Ministry of Education," he concluded.
In the same program, journalist María Isabel Sánchez added: "With that money, pensions could have been improved, those who claim to defend retirees so much." Media outrage also resurfaced on social networks. Minutes later, Feinmann posted a forceful message on X: "Do you realize she's a thief?" he wrote, in direct reference to the former president.
The comment quickly went viral, while the Federal Oral Court No. 7 began the longest oral trial in corruption matters in Argentine history.
Cristina Kirchner, condenada por corrupción.
During the first hearing, broadcast live, the request to elevate the case to trial was read, which defined the Kirchnerist structure as a "criminal organization." According to prosecutor Carlos Stornelli, "her involvement in said illicit association as leader is proven."
The case is based on the notebooks of driver Oscar Centeno, where the routes of bags with cash from contractor companies to political offices were documented. The investigation brings together 24 repentant individuals, including former officials José López and Claudio Uberti, as well as well-known businessmen linked to public works.
So far, the judiciary has determined that Cristina Fernández allegedly received at least US$ 10.4 million in bribes, corresponding to the first 40 incidents read out of a total of 204. The details of the remaining cases are yet to be known, which could significantly increase the final amount.
The trial, which will continue every Thursday morning and starting in March also on Tuesdays, includes the testimony of more than 440 witnesses and is expected to last for several years. The virtual format—via Zoom and with open broadcast on YouTube—aims to ensure transparency and public access.
