Kirchner, divisive Argentina ex-leader back in fray

Buenos Aires : Cristina Kirchner, the leftist ex-president who dominated Argentine politics for years alongside her late husband, has remained a divisive figure since leaving power -- and is now seeking public office again.

The 64-year-old will make a bid for a Senate seat in October's midterm elections -- despite facing corruption charges -- two top party officials in her party announced Saturday.

Kirchner took office in 2007, vowing to continue the work started by her husband Nestor Kirchner, who in 2003 inherited an economy in shambles after what was then the largest sovereign debt default in history.

Since standing down two years ago she has channeled popular anger against the budget cuts of her successor Mauricio Macri, launching a new party called Citizen Union, and her return to politics spells a headache for the conservative president.

Her supporters hope a seat in the Senate might pave the way for a fresh presidential bid in 2019.

It could also spare her jail: the mother of two is being investigated over three sets of corruption charges and faces trial in a fourth case of alleged financial mismanagement as president.

She denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically motivated.