President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to former Argentine president Cristina Kirchner has generated discussions about diplomatic implications and similarities between the two political leaders. CNN International Analyst Lourival Sant’Anna offered opinions about the meeting and its possible repercussions.
According to Sant’Anna, the visit can have a negative impact on relations between Lula and the current Argentine president, Javier Milei, potentially affecting Mercosur.
The analyst recalled that Milei tried an approach to Lula, but this one requires a public apology for the accusations of “communist” and “corrupt” made by Milei – an unlikely gesture of a head of state.
Similarities in political and judicial trajectories
The analyst highlighted the numerous points of similarity between Lula and Cristina Kirchner, who, in his view, justify the visit. Both faced lawsuits for corruption, with accusations involving deviations from public resources and schemes with builders.
Sant’Anna explained: “She was convicted of having diverted a billion dollars along with her husband, who has died, Nestor [Kirchner]in a scheme with a construction company, just as was the conviction here of President Lula. “The analyst stressed that, in both cases, procedural issues played a significant role in judicial developments.
Contrasts in legal processes
Despite the similarities, there are remarkable differences in the cases. While Lula was arrested and later released by procedural reasons, Kirchner initially remained free due to his parliamentary immunity, but now faces a conviction.
Sant’Anna emphasized the solidity of the tests against Kirchner: “There is no doubt about the evidence against her, which are very blunt.” In addition, he mentioned that there are other processes in progress against former Argentine President, including accusations related to Iran’s involvement in attacks on Buenos Aires.
