Alberto Fernández Resigns from Justicialist Party Presidency: A Desperate Move to Distract from Scandals and Protect His Public Image
Joana Campos 
The recent resignation of Alberto Fernández from the presidency of Argentina’s Justicialist Party (PJ) has sparked significant controversy in the country’s political arena. The resignation comes after Fernández was charged with serious injuries, doubly aggravated by the relationship and coercive threats against his former partner, Fabiola Yáñez.
On August 15, 2024, Alberto Fernández tendered his irrevocable resignation from the presidency of the Justicialist Party (PJ), citing a «media lynching» against him.
The resignation was formalized through a letter addressed to the party leaders, in which Fernández stated that his decision was aimed at preventing the PJ from being implicated in the allegations against him, which he described as false. The letter was sent amid Cristina Kirchner’s ongoing trial and was reported by media outlets like Infobae and La Tercera.
«In the context of the complaint of alleged gender-based violence for which I am being investigated by the Federal Justice, I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation from the position of president of the national order of the Justicialist Party, with which I was honored,» begins the letter he sent to the Party Council. In it, Fernández not only denied committing violence but also positioned himself as a defender of «gender equality and respect for diversity.»
Fernández argued that his resignation was necessary to protect the party and its members, who have worked hard for gender equality and respect for diversity. However, his resignation is not sufficient to conceal the seriousness of the accusations against him and the negative impact of his leadership on the PJ and Argentine politics.
In his resignation letter, he asserts his «innocence» and claims to be a «victim of a cruel operation»:
«In the context of the complaint of alleged gender-based violence for which I am being investigated by the Federal Justice, I hereby submit my irrevocable resignation from the position of president of the national order of the Justicialist Party, with which I was honored. I have the duty and need to state that this decision was made solely to prevent the party, in which I have always been a member, from being involved in the events that are falsely attributed to me. I wish that no shrapnel from the media lynching to which I am being subjected can harm this party, which includes men and women who have done so much for gender equality and respect for diversity. The allegations against me are false. I still await for Justice to act accordingly, to stop irregularly releasing information through the media, and to allow me to exercise my legitimate right to defense. With my soul wounded by so much scorn and as a victim of a cruel operation that also hurts my children, I greet every comrade with my unwavering commitment.»
The prosecution has presented evidence, including photographs and conversations found on Fernández’s secretary’s phone, which has further aggravated the situation.
Prosecutor Ramiro González has described Fabiola Yáñez as a victim of an environment of intimidation and physical abuse, exacerbated by Fernández’s position of power since 2019 as president. The complaints and the evidence presented, including photographs and text messages, suggest a relationship dominated by a power imbalance and gender-based violence. This context is considered crucial by the prosecutor in understanding the magnitude of the case. The investigation reveals a systematic pattern of aggression and manipulation, exposing the toxic and abusive dynamics in the relationship.
Additionally, the media has highlighted that the allegations include testimonies and evidence that underscore the seriousness of the accusations against Fernández. It is reported that Yáñez endured continuous harassment, prompting the prosecution to act swiftly to protect the victim’s integrity and ensure justice is served.
Fernández’s resignation is a clear attempt to evade responsibility and avoid public condemnation. His declaration of innocence and claims of a media lynching are merely tactics to divert attention from the real facts and protect his public image.
The Justicialist Party (PJ), for its part, reacted quickly. Minutes before Fernández’s resignation letter became public, the PJ of Buenos Aires issued a statement condemning any act of gender-based violence and suggesting Fernández’s expulsion from the party. The City Council of the PJ was clear in calling for Fernández’s permanent removal from the presidency of the national PJ, emphasizing the need to clarify their position in order to rebuild the party’s political strength. This decision aims to reorganize the party leadership and distance itself from the controversy surrounding Fernández.
One of the most criticized aspects of Alberto Fernández’s tenure has been the creation of the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity in Argentina. This entity, intended to promote gender equality and combat violence against women, has been viewed by many as a failure, especially in light of the gender-based violence allegations against Fernández himself.
The creation of this ministry has not only been ineffective in achieving its goals but has also been used as a political tool to garner support from progressive and feminist sectors. The existence of this ministry, coupled with the scandal surrounding Fernández, serves as evidence of the hypocrisy and failure of the gender policies promoted by his government.
The controversy surrounding the Ministry of Women (now closed by Milei) intensified when Fabiola Yáñez reported that the ministry failed to help her. “This will pass; nothing can be done,” the minister in charge of the state entity reportedly said. This response is entirely unprecedented and contradictory.
Alberto Fernández, former president of Argentina and creator of the Ministry of Women, has been accused of domestic violence by his partner Fabiola Yáñez, adding to the controversy with allegations of infidelity during his term. These revelations have triggered a crisis within Kirchnerism, undermining the credibility of the feminism promoted by his government. President Javier Milei criticizes the «progressive hypocrisy» and justifies the closure of the ministry as a measure in favor of equality.
Alberto Fernández’s resignation from the presidency of the Justicialist Party marks a turning point in Argentine politics. This resignation is a desperate and vile tactic to avoid public condemnation and protect his image.
The creation of the Ministry of Women and the gender policies promoted by Fernández have proven to be ineffective and harmful to the country. The truth always comes to light and prevails.
Joana Campos es abogada y editora con más de 10 años de experiencia en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo internacional, enfocada en la sostenibilidad y el impacto social positivo. Actualmente dirige JC Editorial, donde ha coordinado la edición y distribución de libros de reconocidos autores internacionales y la logística de numerosas giras nacionales. Además, se desempeña como Administradora General en Medicina Integradora, gestionando la clínica y generando proyectos en diversas áreas. Anteriormente, trabajó como abogada corporativa, especializándose en derecho penal y corporativo. Joana es licenciada en Derecho por la Universidad de Guadalajara.
Joana Campos is a lawyer and editor with over 10 years of experience in managing international development projects, focusing on sustainability and positive social impact. She currently leads JC Editorial, where she has coordinated the editing and distribution of books by renowned international authors and managed the logistics of numerous national tours. Additionally, she serves as the General Administrator at Medicina Integradora, overseeing the clinic and generating projects in various areas. Previously, she worked as a corporate lawyer, specializing in criminal and corporate law. Joana holds a law degree from the University of Guadalajara.