Ex-Argentine Leader in Stable Condition

Former Argentine President Carlos Menem, shown here during an interview with The Associated Press on Dec. 16, 2004, was hospitalized after falling ill during a speech Tuesday night. He's being treated for low blood sugar. The 76-year-old Menem led Argentina from 1989-1999. (AP Photo/Roberto Candia, File) (Roberto Candia - AP)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Former President Carlos Menem was in stable condition Wednesday, a day after collapsing while delivering a speech in central Argentina, authorities said.

The 76-year-old Menem, a free-market advocate who governed Argentina from 1989 until 1999 at the helm of the Peronist party, was addressing a crowd of hundreds Tuesday night near the provincial capital of Cordoba when he doubled over.

Televised news footage showed Menem slowly fall sideways at the podium, grimacing and clasping his chest as an aide caught him in his arms. Menem was then whisked off on a stretcher to an ambulance.

Oscar Gonzalez, Cordoba's provincial health minister, said the ex-president suffered a sharp drop in blood sugar levels, but was not in danger.

Doctors said they kept the former head of state in a critical care unit overnight but moved him to a regular room at the Model Institute of Cardiology on Wednesday.

"He is doing fine and spent the night uneventfully," said Dr. Jose Conci, a hospital official, speaking with local reporters.

Conci said Menem he would remain in the hospital at least until Thursday.

Menem has recently floated the idea of a long-shot bid to recapture the presidency.

Incumbent President Nestor Kirchner hasn't announced his candidacy but is considered the favorite in the run-up to the October 2007 election, while Menem has placed last in some polls.