Tens of thousands of Argentinians have been paying tribute to former president Nestor Kirchner, whose death on Wednesday robbed his wife and successor, President Cristina Fernandez, of her closest adviser.
Mr Kirchner (60), was one of Argentina’s most powerful politicians and was seen a leading contender for next year’s presidential election. The president was joined by South American presidents, her two children and local celebrities, including former soccer star Diego Maradona, at a wake for her husband in the presidential palace. Wearing dark sunglasses, her face etched with grief, the president patted her heart with her right hand as she smiled sadly and nodded toward friends and political allies who filed past her husband’s coffin.