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Uncertainty as Argentina's double act ends

Nestor Kirchner, president of Argintine, addresses the 61st session of the General Assembly at the United Nations on September 20, 2006 in New York. (UPI Photo/Monika Graff)
Nestor Kirchner, president of Argintine, addresses the 61st session of the General Assembly at the United Nations on September 20, 2006 in New York. (UPI Photo/Monika Graff) | License Photo

BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Argentina faced new political uncertainties as the double act personified by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her husband and former president Nestor Carlos Kirchner came to an end with his death.

Kirchner, 60, president from 2003-07, died in a hospital in the southern city of El Calafate, apparently of a heart attack following complications that had him bed-ridden earlier in the year.

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U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent condolences to Fernandez and the couple's children.

Kirchner held on to multiple posts despite medical warnings that the strain could be too much for his physical condition. Aside from wielding power behind the scenes in policymaking for the government of his wife, Nestor Kirchner won election in May 2010 as the first secretary-general of the Union of South American Nations.

He was planning to stand again for president in 2011, when the current term of Fernandez ends, as part of the presidential couple's strategy to keep the job within the family and within bounds of the constitution.

His death removes that prospect but also weakens Fernandez, who is facing severe political feuds with farmers and industrial groups, analysts said in published comments.

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Spain's El Pais newspaper said that with Kirchner's departure from the scene "the Argentine political scenario changes completely."

Analysts said the former president's absence would likely make Fernandez more vulnerable to political maneuvers by her ministers as well as opposition elements.

Brazil's O Globo newspaper said doctors had recommended Kirchner wind down his busy schedule to avoid further health complications.

Kirchner was instrumental in weaning Argentina away from the influence of the military and police, seen behind the reign of terror perpetrated by a succession of authoritarian juntas from 1976 to 1983.

He was succeeded by his wife in October 2007 but continued to exercise influence in both parliament and the ruling party. As Argentina's economic problems mounted and political feuds took their toll on approval ratings for Fernandez, as well the "Kirchner couple," the government faced charges it pursued undemocratic practices to maintain power.

Despite widespread mourning and shock Argentina's 2010 census that began early Wednesday continued till late. National statistics bureau officials said the counting couldn't be put off as it was a federal, inclusive and compulsory census for every Argentine.

More than 650,000 people went to work as census takers as the Fernandez administration turned to official mourning and funeral arrangements. Argentina's last census was carried out in 2001.

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