Daniel Scioli, a prominent figure in Argentine politics and a former powerboat champion, has seen his romantic life frequently intersect with his public persona. His relationships, particularly his decades-long bond with Karina Rabolini and his more recent partnership with Gisela Berger, have been subjects of considerable public interest, marked by periods of stability, public scrutiny, and personal evolution.
Scioli's most enduring and publicly visible relationship was with Karina Rabolini, a successful model and businesswoman. They first met in the 1980s when Scioli was a renowned motonauta. Their connection deepened, leading to a civil marriage on December 10, 1991, followed by a religious ceremony two days later. Their wedding was a significant social event, attended by numerous celebrities, cementing their status as a power couple.
The couple's relationship faced early challenges, including a fire in their apartment in 1987 and Scioli's severe powerboat accident in 1989, which resulted in the loss of his right arm. Rabolini stood by him throughout these difficult times, demonstrating unwavering support. Their bond was often portrayed as a symbol of resilience and mutual dedication.
Throughout Scioli's political career, Rabolini played a crucial role, often appearing by his side at public events and during campaigns. She served as the Second Lady of Argentina from 2003 to 2007 during his vice-presidency and as the First Lady of Buenos Aires Province from 2007 to 2015 during his governorship. Despite their public solidarity, reports of marital difficulties and separations occasionally surfaced. They divorced in 1999 but reconciled in 2001, a reunion Scioli famously attributed to a deep, unspoken bond.
The couple's final separation occurred in 2015, following Scioli's defeat in the presidential elections. This split was widely reported, with many sources indicating that the strain of the campaign and long-standing issues contributed to their definitive breakup. The divorce was finalized in 2016. Despite the separation, both Scioli and Rabolini have maintained a respectful and affectionate relationship, with Rabolini recently stating, "We have a very nice relationship," following her marriage to Ignacio Castro Cranwell, Scioli's former press chief.
Following his separation from Rabolini, Daniel Scioli began a relationship with Gisela Berger, a model and former ShowMatch dancer. Their romance became public in late 2016, drawing significant media attention due to the age difference and the timing shortly after his high-profile political defeat and divorce. Their relationship was initially characterized by attempts to keep it private, but it quickly became a subject of public scrutiny.
The relationship with Berger was marked by several public crises and reconciliations. In May 2017, Berger publicly accused Scioli of infidelity and revealed that she was pregnant with his child, also alleging that he had asked her to have an abortion. This revelation caused a major scandal, especially given Scioli's public stance on family values and his close ties to the Catholic Church. Scioli later confirmed the pregnancy, stating he was "going to be a father."
Despite the tumultuous start, Scioli and Berger reconciled, and their daughter, Francesca, was born on October 23, 2017. Francesca is Scioli's second publicly recognized daughter; he also has an older daughter, Lorena, born in 1978, whom he publicly acknowledged later in life after a legal process. The birth of Francesca seemed to solidify their bond, and they were often seen together as a family.
Over the years, their relationship continued to experience periods of tension and reconciliation, often reported by the Argentine press. Berger has maintained a relatively low profile, particularly in recent years, focusing on her family life and promoting brands on social media. Public appearances together, such as their recent return from France in July 2024, confirm that they continue to be a couple, navigating their relationship away from constant public glare.
Daniel Scioli's romantic journey reflects a life lived in the public eye, where personal relationships often become intertwined with political narratives. From his long and complex marriage to Karina Rabolini, marked by shared triumphs and eventual separation, to his more recent, often tumultuous, but ultimately enduring partnership with Gisela Berger and the birth of their daughter, his love life has been as dynamic and scrutinized as his political career.