Argentina`s Fernandez hands over power
Argentina`s outgoing President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner has made an emotional farewell speech to supporters in Buenos Aires, reports BBC.
She urged people to take to the streets if they felt betrayed by the new centre-right government.
Conservative Mauricio Macri, who won a run-off election last month, is due to be sworn in as president later.
Mr Macri inherits a host of economic problems including inflation running at almost 15%, officials figures show.
Other experts put it much higher, at nearly 25%. Argentina has suffered badly from a slump in commodity prices and foreign currency reserves have plummeted, making attracting external investment difficult.
Argentina defaulted on its debts last year for a second time in a dispute with hedge funds.
The new Argentine leader has promised a new era of change and reconciliation.
Addressing tens of thousands of cheering supporters outside the Casa Rosa presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Ms Fernandez defended her record.
"We believe in what we have achieved so we need to have a positive attitude to ensure that these things will not be destroyed," she said.
"When you feel that those who you trusted and voted for have betrayed you, take up your flags," she added.
Ms Fernandez is to skip Thursday`s swearing-in after the two became embroiled in a row over the ceremony`s location.
She insisted the handover took place in Congress, while Mr Macri wanted it to happen at the presidential palace.
Mr Macri sought a court injunction affirming that Ms Fernandez`s term ended at midnight on Wednesday to settle the matter.
During her speech, Ms Fernandez joked: "I can`t talk much because after midnight I`ll turn into a pumpkin."
Power has been temporarily transferred to Senate Speaker Federico Pinedo, who will act as head of state for 12 hours until Mr Macri`s inauguration.
Meanwhile, the official Twitter account for the Argentine presidency, @CasaRosadaAR, has been turned into a "Twitter tribute" to Ms Fernandez and her late husband, Nestor Kirchner.
