Argentina's president charged with allegedly breaking quarantine to host party: Reports

Argentine prosecutors havechargedPresidentAlberto Fernandez withallegedlybreakinga mandatoryquarantine, localmediareported on Thursday, when he and his partnerhosted a birthdaypartylast year with friends.

Dailies Clarin and La Nacion reported the news, citing prosecutors, who did not immediately respond to a comment request from Reuters.

The case against Fernandez has grabbed headlines in past weeks as Argentina imposed stricter lockdowns than most countries to deal with the pandemic.

In July of last year, Fernandez himself had banned all social gatherings beforehosting one for the birthday of Fabiola Yanez, his partner.

Earlier on Thursday, Fernandez participated in a hearing in the case and offered to pay a fine to settle the case.

Opposition lawmakers have tried to start a political trial against Fernandez due to theparty, although they have a slim chance of succeeding because most lawmakers are aligned with the governmentparty.