Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, the first woman to be elected president in Argentina, succeeded her husband, Néstor Kirchner.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Cristina Fernandez was sworn in Monday as Argentina's first elected female president, completing a rare husband-wife transfer of power that the nation hopes will ensure continued recovery from an economic meltdown.

Fernandez, whose husband Nestor Kirchner is credited with leading Argentina out of its 2001-2002 economic meltdown, vowed to increase his center-left economic programs, create jobs and reduce high poverty levels.

She vowed to strengthen Argentina's oft-criticized justice system, overhaul a poorly funded system of public schools and tackle rampant crime and a looming energy crisis.

Several South American presidents looked on and thousands of supporters outside Congress waved blue-and-white Argentine flags.