Former Argentine president Mauricio Macri held a political act this Thursday (28), in Dolores, in the province of Buenos Aires, shortly before presenting himself for a hearing in the process in which he is accused of spying on relatives of the victims of the accident with the ARA San Juan submarine in 2017.
The hearing, however, had to be suspended soon after it started due to a technical failure of the court, which did not have the necessary intelligence data to carry out the session. “It was a grotesque error by the judge,” said the former president’s defense attorney, Pablo Lanusse, as he left the venue.
Macri’s new appearance in court was scheduled for November 14th.
Even so, the former Argentine leader and other leaders of his party, the PRO (Republican Proposal), took the opportunity to hold a small rally, on a stage set up in front of the court.
The first to speak was former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who said there were “good judges and bad judges”. “We will always collaborate and respect justice, but it is necessary to make a distinction.” Macri’s defense had unsuccessfully requested the removal of the magistrate responsible for the case, Martín Bava, considering him partial.
Upon arriving at the place of testimony, the former president heard cries of “don’t touch Mauricio” by supporters, who carried Argentine flags and banners with the name of Macri. On the stand, Alberto Fernández’s predecessor stated that the current process is the result of political persecution.
“With each aggression, each slander, each lie, my convictions are strengthened more, and I feel that this also happens to you,” said Macri, who also mentioned the November 14 legislative elections. “Argentina has a future, that’s why we have to fight. The primaries have already passed [12 de setembro] and on the 14th we will confirm our victory and fight for this future together.”
In the primary votes, the Peronist government led by Fernández suffered a severe defeat, which provoked a political crisis, with the exchange of several ministers. In a recent survey by consultancy firm Opinaia, the opposition coalition maintains the lead, with 30% of voting intentions, against 24% for the government and 22% undecided. Elections renew half of the Chamber of Deputies and a third of the Senate.
The lawsuit against the former president refers to the accusation that the relatives of the 44 victims of the accident were spied on by the government, which is said to be looking for the accusations they would bring to justice.
“This subpoena was untimely, unfounded and in the middle of an electoral campaign. Even so, we are here showing our face, calm, because we know what we did,” said Macri.
The former president, however, only appeared after the third summons to the Court. Previously, I was abroad.
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