19/06/2026 18:21 - Politica
Dos hombres de traje conversando intensamente en un jardín oficial, una residencia presidencial de estilo neoclásico al fondo, ambiente de mañana, tensión política en el aire
President Javier Milei received his Cabinet Chief, Manuel Adorni, for a private breakfast at the Olivos Presidential Residence this morning. For foreign readers, Olivos is the official presidential residence in Argentina, similar to the White House in the US or Chequers in the UK, located in the upscale suburb of Vicente López, north of Buenos Aires.
According to official sources, the meeting was scheduled in advance as part of their weekly routine. However, the political context gave it special significance: the gesture came amid a media-judicial scandal that has lasted over three months. The image of Adorni entering the Presidential Residence was interpreted as a sign of support. Sources close to the Cabinet Chief stated: 'Neither will he fire him, nor will he resign.' However, other offices in the Casa Rosada (the Argentine presidential palace, equivalent to the White House) admitted that the endorsement is 'temporary' and his medium-term continuity is not guaranteed.
On Friday, June 20, 2026, Adorni will make a public reappearance at the Flag Day ceremony at the National Flag Monument in Rosario. For context, Flag Day commemorates the death of Manuel Belgrano, the creator of the Argentine flag, one of the most important independence heroes. It is one of Argentina's most significant patriotic holidays.
The ceremony marks the 206th anniversary of Belgrano's death. The Monument was recently renovated with investments exceeding $4 billion pesos (approximately USD 4 million at official exchange rates). Milei will deliver one of three official speeches, alongside Governor Maximiliano Pullaro and Mayor Pablo Javkin.
The Argentine Senate postponed its scheduled session for June 18, 2026 and rescheduled Adorni's interpellation for June 25, 2026. If approved, the official must appear on July 2, 2026. The censure motion has already gathered 120 signatures of the 129 required.
Patricia Bullrich negotiated with allies in a parliamentary meeting. The PRO and the UCR (two major opposition parties) demanded Adorni's resignation. Córdoba Governor Martín Llaryora also called for his departure. Only nine signatures separate the opposition from an institutional crisis scenario.
Both the President and the Cabinet Chief are working on new announcements to shift focus from the illicit enrichment scandal. In Adorni's circle, they call it 'positive agenda', aimed at communicating new proposals or management measures.
Since Wednesday, when he gave an interview to LN+ (a major Argentine news channel), Adorni made four complete management communications. The latest was this morning announcing the publication of Resolution 283/15, which restricted biotechnology development patenting. These may not be major announcements, but they aim to counteract the silence that would be interpreted as inactivity.
Amid this tension, the designation of Adrián Ravier as the new presidential spokesperson was confirmed. Ravier is a classical liberal economist, national deputy for La Pampa province, and author of books with Milei. The move implies a reduction of Adorni's functions, who retains the Cabinet Chief position but relinquishes the spokesperson role.
Adorni admitted to omitting USD 500,000 in his asset declaration. His net worth grew from $20 million pesos to $944 million pesos, an increase of 775%. His brother Francisco Adorni, a Buenos Aires provincial deputy, also faces investigation for illicit enrichment and malicious omission in sworn declarations.
Government sources revealed that Milei is applying the 'chicken game' strategy, a reference to the film 'Rebel Without a Cause'. The President believes the opposition will not assume the political cost of removing the Cabinet Chief. If the Senate proceeds, Milei could denounce it as an 'institutional coup'.
A survey by D'Alessio IROL - Berensztein ranks Milei seventh in image rankings, with only 36% positive image. Adorni appears last with 13%. The President reportedly stated: 'I don't care about image, I'll recover it later.'
Adorni intends to convene a political table meeting next week. The Government lacks a defined agenda with new bills to send to Congress. There are also no definitions about major announcements. Topics could be discussed at this meeting, where legislative strategy would be defined.
No Cabinet meeting is scheduled. Sources from the Chief of Staff office state: 'There's no need because he's in direct contact with ministers.'
Sources: Infobae | La Política Online
Alfredo S. Quiroga
