The spelling of the word "kirchners" might be confusing for some, but it can be easily explained with IPA phonetic transcription. The correct pronunciation of "kirchners" is /ˈkɪrk.nərz/. The "k" is pronounced as "k", the "i" as "ɪ", the "r" as a soft "r" sound represented by "r̥", the "ch" as "k", the "n" as "n", the "e" as "ə", and the "s" as "z". With this transcription, it becomes clear that the word is a plural form of "kirchner", which is a German surname.
Kirchners refers to a political dynasty in Argentina, primarily associated with the husband and wife duo, Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The term "Kirchners" is often used to collectively describe their political influence and policies.
Néstor Kirchner served as the President of Argentina from 2003 to 2007, while Cristina Fernández de Kirchner succeeded him and held office from 2007 to 2015. Their time in power was marked by a left-wing populist agenda, characterized by economic nationalism, social welfare programs, and an emphasis on social justice. The Kirchners advocated for the expansion of government involvement in various sectors, such as energy, transportation, and social security. They aimed to reduce income inequality and increase social spending.
The Kirchners' policies faced both praise and criticism. Supporters argue that their government prioritized the interests of the lower and middle classes, while skeptics express concerns over alleged corruption, authoritarian tendencies, and the polarizing nature of their rule. Their administration significantly influenced Argentine politics, resulting in the formation of a distinct political movement, known as Kirchnerismo, which continues to have an impact in Argentine politics today.
The term "Kirchners" is also used colloquially to refer to loyal followers and supporters of the political ideology and policies associated with Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.