Argentine president recovers after surgery

Buenos Aires governor Daniel Scioli said Ms Fernandez, 60, was recovering after yesterday’s operation.

“If God desires it, she’s going to be back with us very soon, fully functioning,” he said.

“Now we’re waiting for the doctors’ report,” he added, wishing her a rapid recovery.

Experts described the procedure as generally low risk and almost always having positive results although recovery can take months.

Hundreds of her supporters cheered and chanted as news broke she was recovering from the operation. Some had kept vigil through the night outside the hospital.

Doctors had initially prescribed a month’s rest but they decided on surgery after she complained of numbness and weakness in her upper left arm.

Ms Fernandez has come to dominate Argentine politics after nearly six years in office, and will now be off the campaign trail just three weeks before voting day.

She has been outspoken over the Falkland Islands and in August renewed its claim to sovereignty at a the United Nations, demanding the UK negotiate over its future.