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Argentina's Ex-President Kirchner Dead at 60

Death leaves current president Cristina Fernandez a widow

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2010 9:08 AM CDT

(Newser) Nestor Kirchner, Argentina's former and probable future president, and husband of current President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has died today of a heart attack. He was 60. Kirchner, widely expected to run for the presidency next year, had undergone two heart procedures earlier this year, reports Reuters. Kirchner was his wife's closest adviser and a political force of nature in Argentina, having been the architect of his country's emergence from economic crisis during his 2003-2007 tenure.

"A great patriot has died," said a ruling party congressman, according to the AP. "This will leave a huge hole in Argentine politics. We will have to follow his example. Argentina has lost one of its greatest men."

In this June 18, 2008 file photo, Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her husband former president Nestor Kirchner wave to supporters at a rally in Buenos Aires.
In this June 18, 2008 file photo, Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her husband former president Nestor Kirchner wave to supporters at a rally in Buenos Aires.   (AP Photo/Eduardo Di Baia, File)
In this July 6, 2010 file photo, Argentina's former president Nestor Kirchner arrives to the presidential palace in Santiago, Chile.
In this July 6, 2010 file photo, Argentina's former president Nestor Kirchner arrives to the presidential palace in Santiago, Chile.   (AP Photo/Aliosha Marquez, File)
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez, and husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, wave to supporters at a rally with youth in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday Sept. 14, 2010.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez, and husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, wave to supporters at a rally with youth in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday Sept. 14, 2010.   (AP Photo/Telam)
In this Dec. 10, 2007 file photo, Argentina's president Cristina Fernandez, and her husband, departing President Nestor Kirchner, wave after Fernandez was sworn in in Buenos Aires.
In this Dec. 10, 2007 file photo, Argentina's president Cristina Fernandez, and her husband, departing President Nestor Kirchner, wave after Fernandez was sworn in in Buenos Aires.   (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File)
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and husband former President Nestor Kirchner attend a rally in Buenos Aires, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, and husband former President Nestor Kirchner attend a rally in Buenos Aires, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.   (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Argentina's President Cristina Fernndez, and husband, former President Nestor Kirchner.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernndez, and husband, former President Nestor Kirchner.   (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Former Argentina's President Nestor Kirchner, right, speaks during a press conference in Buenos Aires, early Monday, June 29, 2009.
Former Argentina's President Nestor Kirchner, right, speaks during a press conference in Buenos Aires, early Monday, June 29, 2009.   (AP Photo/Daniel Luna)
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez listens to her husband, former president Nestor Kirchner during a campaign rally in Buenos Aires, Thursday, June 25, 2009.
Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez listens to her husband, former president Nestor Kirchner during a campaign rally in Buenos Aires, Thursday, June 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Frente Para la Victoria)
Argentina's new president Cristina Fernandez and husband, departing president Nestor Kirchner, during a festival in front of the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007.
Argentina's new president Cristina Fernandez and husband, departing president Nestor Kirchner, during a festival in front of the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007.   (AP Photo/ Marcelo Hernandez)
Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla sings during a music festival as Argentina's new President Cristina Fernandez, Nestor Kirchner, and Fernandez's Vice President Julio Cobos, stand behind in Buenos Aires, Monday, Dec. 10, 2007.
Argentine composer Gustavo Santaolalla sings during a music festival as Argentina's new President Cristina Fernandez, Nestor Kirchner, and Fernandez's Vice President Julio Cobos, stand behind in Buenos...   (AP Photo/ Marcelo Hernandez)
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