Mourning in the City

On Wednesday, former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner died unexpectedly from a heartattack; Kirchner and his wife are a well established political instituion in the country so the news hit the nation hard. All over the city there are images of the political couple embracing during their rallies and signs of condolence hang on every wall, saying, 'strength, Mrs. President' and 'our tears are for you.'

I covered the story for my paper. It was my first extended news piece, written to the wire (I only had a few hours), and it was also the first political article/obituary that I have ever had to write.

In the evening I went down to Plaza de Mayo for a follow up article* on the scene at the presidential palace. It looked more like a political battle ground than a site of mourning, as people waving the Justicialist Party flag marched through the square in lieu of flowers and funeral processions. Of course, the entire centre was blocked off and traffic was at a standstill.

In other words it was like any other day in Buenos Aires, except with ten times as many people.

Paul, the psychic octopus who correctly predicted this year's world cup also died. Both tragedies in their own right - not to compare to the two or anything.

It will be interesting to see what will happen in Argentine politics. Nestor was the favourite for next years elections, and he has also been governing the country through his wife, current president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, throughout her years in power.

Fuerza Cristina

*mine is the prose at the top, Sam gathered and put together the international responses at the bottom of the article.