Profiles

Profile: Roberto Lavagna

Roberto Lavagna is a former economy minister in President Nestor Kirchner's administration and a chief strategist behind the country's restructuring of about $104 billion in defaulted debt.

Lavagna, 65, who took office during President Eduardo Duhalde's interim rule in 2002, managed Argentina's economic crisis and kept his position when Kirchner became president on 25 May 2003.

In November 2005, Lavagna was replaced with Felisa Miceli, previously president of the National Bank of Argentina.

Lavagna formed An Advanced Nation (UNA) to run against the Frente Para la Victoria, or the Front for Victory candidate, Cristina Kirchner, in the October 2007 presidential election.

Senior members of the socialist and Peronist parties, and supporters of former President Duhalde, have voiced support for the coalition backing Lavagna's candidacy.

Today, as a presidential candidate, Lavagna has said the main issues facing Argentina are crime and inflation.

He has laid down a comprehensive plan for his first 100 days of government, based on improving security and employment, and reducing extreme poverty.