Argentina Court Restores Pension to Former President Fernández

Ruling overturns decision by ultra-libertarian President Milei to strip pension benefits.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A court of appeals in Argentina ordered the government of ultra-libertarian President Javier Milei to restore the widow's pension of former center-left President Cristina Fernández, which Milei had previously revoked.

Why it matters

The ruling is seen as a rebuke of Milei's hardline economic policies and a victory for Fernández, a powerful political figure in Argentina who has faced numerous legal challenges since leaving office.

The details

Fernández, who served as president from 2007 to 2015, was granted a widow's pension after the death of her husband and former president Néstor Kirchner in 2010. However, Milei, an outspoken critic of Fernández, moved to strip her of this pension after taking office in 2023, citing her criminal convictions. The appeals court ruled that Milei's decision was unconstitutional and ordered the pension to be reinstated.

  • Néstor Kirchner, Fernández's husband, passed away in 2010.
  • Fernández was granted a widow's pension after Kirchner's death.
  • Javier Milei became president of Argentina in 2023.
  • In 2023, Milei revoked Fernández's widow's pension.
  • On February 12, 2026, the appeals court ordered Milei's government to restore Fernández's pension.

The players

Cristina Fernández

Former center-left president of Argentina who served from 2007 to 2015.

Javier Milei

Ultra-libertarian president of Argentina who revoked Fernández's widow's pension.

Néstor Kirchner

Former president of Argentina and Cristina Fernández's husband, who passed away in 2010.

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What they’re saying

“This ruling is an important check on the overreach of the Milei government and a victory for the rule of law in Argentina.”

— María Eugenia Vidal, Opposition Leader (La Nación)

What’s next

The Milei government is expected to appeal the court's decision, setting up a potential showdown between the executive and judicial branches.

The takeaway

The restoration of Fernández's pension highlights the ongoing political tensions in Argentina and the challenges facing Milei's hardline economic agenda, which has faced pushback from the courts and opposition.