Alberto Fernández, Fabiola Yáñez reported over alleged pandemic plane party

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández and ex-first lady Fabiola Yáñez face accusations of holding unauthorized parties on the Tango 01 presidential aircraft during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new criminal complaint. The incident is separate from an earlier event at the Olivos presidential residence known as "Olivos-gate."

The complaint, filed by lawyer Ignacio Barrios, alleges that Yánez used the presidential aircraft on July 14, 2020, during an official visit to the same day as the controversial Olivos party, to hold her own celebration. The complaint details extensive preparations for the event, including the provision of an aircraft staircase, generator, cabin equipment, catering, and alcoholic beverages.

Barrios claims that officials and private individuals involved in organizing the events knowingly utilized public resources for private gatherings, including Tango 01, which was stationed at El Palomar Airport during the pandemic. The complaint does not specify whether President Fernández attended the party, but he is alleged to have authorized its use of the aircraft.

Yánez, Fernández, and former presidential pilot Leonardo Barone are named in the complaint. While Fernández did not reportedly attend the event, he allegedly played a role in authorizing its use of the aircraft. The complaint states that photographs and videos of the gatherings exist, but the files were not provided in their original formats, metadata, or chain of custody.

Barrios' filing aims to allow competent authorities to verify the existence of the alleged events, examine the utilization of public resources, and identify the involvement of each person.