Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández resigned as head of the Partido Justicialista — the largest Peronist party in Argentina — on Wednesday hours after being formally indicted for allegedly beating and threatening his ex-partner Fabiola Yañez.

“In the context of the report of alleged gender-based violence that caused a federal investigation against me, I hereby file my undeclinable resignation as president of the Partido Justicialista,” Fernández wrote in a letter released on Wednesday night. 

In his letter, the ex-president  said he made the decision to resign “with the sole purpose of not involving the party” in the crimes that he is “falsely being accused of” and the “media lynching” he is suffering.

He added that both men and women participate in the PJ, as the party is commonly known, and that it “has done so much for gender equality and respect for diversity.”

“The crimes I am being accused of are false,” Fernández reiterated. “I am still waiting for the judiciary to act with justice, stop irregularly leaking information through the press, and allow me to carry out my legitimate right to defend myself.”

You may also be interested in: Yañez alleges isolation, infidelity and constant control in relationship with Fernández

The ex-president said his soul is “wounded over all this scorn” and that he is “a victim of a cruel [political] operation” that also harms his children.

Fernández had been president of the PJ since March 2021. He was elected to that position a year after he became president of Argentina. However, in March 2024, Fernández asked for a leave of absence during a PJ congress, the first and only one the party has had since his administration ended. Five party vice presidents were appointed to take his place temporarily at the helm of the party.

Peronism has been demanding Fernández’s resignation for a long time, as his stature as a leader had eroded even before his presidency was over. He didn’t run for reelection in 2023, instead choosing former Economy Minister Sergio Massa for the job. Things got worse after their coalition, Unión por la Patria, lost to Javier Milei.

With Fernández out of the picture and no other figure in a clear position to take over, the lack of leadership for Peronism has been a problem since Milei took office. In May, the National Council of the PJ unanimously approved party elections on November 17 to replace Fernández. The party still hasn’t said whether they will have anticipated elections after his resignation.

You may also be interested in: Milei’s presidency has Peronism at a crossroads. What now?