Argentina judicial reform points up Fernandez weakness

Significance

With an agenda increasingly influenced by Vice-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (CFK), the objectives of judicial reform now appear limited to closing pending investigations against her and her family.

Impacts

• CFK’s increasing influence in judicial policy will reinforce the view that Fernandez lacks the political power to advance his own agenda.
• The confrontational approach is increasing the influence of hardliners, which is ideologically damaging to other government priorities.
• Moves to reduce judicial independence will further undermine institutional dialogue between the Supreme Court and the executive.