Néstor Kirchner

Birthday: February 25, 1950
Died: October 27, 2010
Age: 60
Net Worth: $8M

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About

Néstor Kirchner was an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as the President of Argentina from 2003 to 2007. As a member of the Justicialist Party, he had previously served as Governor of Santa Cruz Province and mayor of Río Gallegos. His presidency was marked by economic recovery following a severe financial crisis, as well as a focus on human rights and social justice. He identified as a Peronist and his political approach is called Kirchnerism.

Career Timeline

1987F$0.3M

Becomes mayor of Río Gallegos

Elected mayor of small Patagonian city. Has modest lawyer's income and zero recognition outside local Santa Cruz politics.

1991D▲$1M+$0.7M

Elected governor of Santa Cruz

Becomes governor of Argentina's least populous province. Builds provincial power base but remains unknown nationally and internationally.

2003B▲▲$3M+$2M

Becomes president of Argentina

Wins presidency in runoff amid Argentina's worst economic crisis. Immediately gains international attention as leader of major South American nation attempting recovery.

2005B$5M+$2M

Debt restructuring success

Successfully renegotiates $100 billion sovereign debt default, achieving 76% creditor participation. Gains respect as economic manager and solidifies domestic popularity.

2006B$6M+$1M

Economic recovery peaks

Argentina posts 8.5% GDP growth as recovery accelerates. Kirchner's popularity soars domestically, though he remains primarily known in Latin America and among emerging market observers.

2007B$7M+$1M

Wife succeeds him

Chooses not to run for re-election, backing wife Cristina who wins presidency. Unusual power-sharing arrangement brings international media interest and maintains his influence.

2010B$8M+$1M

Dies suddenly

Suffers fatal heart attack at age 60 while still active in politics. His unexpected death brings outpouring of grief in Argentina and attention across Latin America.

2026B$8M

Kirchnerism founder legacy

Remembered as architect of Argentina's post-2001 recovery and founder of Kirchnerism political movement. Well-known in Argentina and among Latin America watchers, but not globally famous.