THE KIRCHNER REIGN HAS ENDED

500,000
friends
of el
campo
gathered
in the
streets
of Palermo
to show
their
support
on 15-07.

The day
went off
with lots
of chanting,
flag waving,
applause for
the groups
that came
from all
corners of
the nation.

After the
event, some
el Campo
fans
camped out
to watch
the Senate
vote which
would
finally
decide the
matter of
the export
tax on
farmers.
While they
met,
the city
held its
breath...

In a heart-thumping,hair-splitting Senate voting session that ended in the wee hours, Vice-President Julio Cobos took one look at his conscience and voted against Resolución 125, the export tax that would bankrupt medium and small producers in all parts of the country.

Cobos, a native of the western province of Mendoza, a mecca for skiers and home to excellent wines, says he voted for his country.

Indeed. The impasse between government and el campo -- the farmers -- would not have ended with a Senate sanction and the country would have been paralyzed until the Supreme Court had a go at a decision.

With a dramatic "nay" Julio Cobos saved his nation and ended the much touted plan by the Kirchners to succeed each other in four-year presidencies, for ever.

Resolución 125 remains on the table, however it will not become law. Now the real negotiations begin.
PHOTOS, VIDEO COURTESY ELOÍSA