Several South American political figures have spoken out about the attempt to shoot Argentine Vice President Cristina Kirchner on Thursday night (1st).
The politician arrived at her home in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires when a man identified as Brazilian Fernando Sabag Montiel, 35, apparently tried to shoot her. Images posted on social media show the moment from different angles.
Read the backlash below.
Mauricio Macri, former president of Argentina
My absolute repudiation of the attack suffered by Cristina Kirchner, which fortunately had no consequences for the vice president. This very serious incident requires an immediate and in-depth clarification on the part of the Justice and security forces.
Nicolás Maduro, dictator of Venezuela
We send our solidarity to the vice president in the face of the attempt on her life. We energetically reject this action that seeks to destabilize the peace of the Argentine people, our brother. The Great Homeland is with you, companion!
Miguel Díaz-Canel, leader of the Cuban regime
From Cuba, dismayed by the assassination attempt on Cristina Kirchner, we send all our solidarity to the Argentine vice president, government and people.
Evo Morales, former president of Bolivia
We condemn the cowardly assassination attempt on our sister Cristina Kirchner. All our solidarity with the vice president. The Great Homeland is with you, sister. The criminal right and servile to imperialism will not pass. The free and dignified people of Argentina will defeat him.
Lula, former president of Brazil and current candidate for office by the PT
All my solidarity with my colleague Cristina Kirchner, victim of a criminal fascist who does not know how to respect differences and diversity. Cristina is a woman who deserves the respect of every Democrat in the world. Thank God she escaped unharmed. […] That the author suffers all legal consequences. This violence and political hatred that has been encouraged by some is a threat to democracy in our region. The Democrats of the world will not tolerate any violence in political disagreements.
José Mayans, Argentine Senator
“We met, the senators and the deputies, to express our repudiation. It is a regrettable fact, and we wait for the prompt clarification of this fact. We work for peace in Argentina. The vice president was not killed by the grace of God. He is a person of great spirit who didn’t expect something like this to happen in front of his house.”
Gerardo Morales, governor of the Argentine province of Jujuy
“This is a difficult moment for the country, many people are going through economic difficulties, but we know that violence is never the way out. We add our rejection.”
Simone Tebet, senator and presidential candidate for the MDB
Political violence in Brazil, political violence in Argentina. It is necessary to put an end to all this. Leaders must condemn these attitudes. Good thing the weapon missed. What a sadness! I reaffirm my position for peace in politics, for peace in elections.
Gleisi Hoffman, federal deputy and president of the PT
What happened to his partner Cristina Kirchner, victim of an attempted murder, is very serious. The image shocks. This is a result of political violence and hate speech. Force!
