I deliver “a functioning Argentina”: Alberto Fernández

 

Buenos Aires, December 9.- Outgoing President Alberto Fernández addressed the nation yesterday with a recorded speech in which he reviewed all areas of the State, providing figures and highlighting the progress made since democracy was restored 40 years ago. He especially noted that he leaves behind a functioning Argentina, without avoiding a deep sorrow "for not having managed to improve the lives of those who are still in poverty."

"During this time, we have failed to establish a solid economic framework that allows access to a dignified life for all," the former president stated, recalling: "We expanded rights, but they are still lacking. We set social justice as our goal, but we haven't achieved it."

He referred to what was achieved despite various unforeseen situations and emphasized that the next president, Javier Milei, will not have to "receive a country" that has to pay 19 billion dollars the following year and 18 billion the following year, referring to the debt with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) contracted by the government of Mauricio Macri (2015-2019).

"I took office in December 2019 amid a calamitous situation under the government that preceded me: sky-high poverty and inflation rates and a debt that compromised us for generations," he said, calling for us to defend 40 years of democracy "every day, as the Grandmothers and Mothers of Plaza de Mayo taught us, as did all those who paved the way for us."