Kirchner, Cristina Fernández de

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became president of Argentina in 2007, the first woman to be elected to that office. She is also the wife of Nestor Kirchner, her immediate predecessor as president. Some critics say that she owes her victory to her husband's immense popularity, but Cristina Kirchner brought nearly two decades of political experience to the office, having served as both a provincial and national legislator, and a reputation as an advocate for human rights and women's issues. She also was among her husband's most influential advisers during his tenure as Argentina's head of state. Kirchner is often compared to Eva Peron and Hillary Clinton, and, like them, her appearance and personal life often generate more press than her political activities.