20/06/2026 12:13 - Politica
Hombre maduro vestido con traje formal oscuro de pie frente a podio presidencial con escudo argentino, expresión seria y profesional, fondo institucional
In a strategic move to deflect attention from the political scandal surrounding Manuel Adorni, President Javier Milei has decided to separate the spokesperson's role from the Cabinet Chief's office. He appointed Adrián Ravier as the new presidential spokesman, aiming to "oxygenate" official communication and highlight the government's achievements.
This appointment, announced on June 19, 2026, comes at a critical political juncture. A motion for censorship against Adorni has already gathered 120 signatures (out of 129 needed) in the Senate, and his official summons for questioning is scheduled for June 25, 2026.
The most striking aspect of this designation is that Milei himself was one of Ravier's harshest critics in the past. On social media, the then-private economist publicly labeled him:
The relationship shifted when Ravier sent a message to Milei congratulating him on bringing Austrian School economic ideas into the mainstream debate. Milei's reply was: "A country is built looking forward. We must not look back."
Since then, they have engaged in long phone conversations lasting until dawn, discussing topics like dollarization and tax cuts.
Adrián Ravier is a classical liberal economist born in Buenos Aires City in 1978. His academic background includes:
He serves as a National Deputy for La Pampa representing La Libertad Avanza. He is a disciple of renowned economist Jesús Huerta de Soto and has co-authored works with Milei.
Key Point: Ravier defends the official data claiming poverty dropped from 57% to 28% during Milei's administration, figures that the opposition strongly disputes.
To understand this change, one must look at the scandal involving Manuel Adorni, the current Cabinet Chief (similar to a Chief of Staff). In Argentina, this is a very powerful official who coordinates other ministers. Adorni admitted to omitting USD 500,000 in his asset declaration, and his personal wealth allegedly skyrocketed from $20 million to $944 million (a 775% increase) in just a few months.
This scandal has overshadowed the government's attempts to showcase economic achievements like fiscal surplus and slowing inflation. The opposition is pushing for Adorni's resignation.
The political tension is high. The opposition has called a special session for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to begin the process of questioning Adorni. In the Senate, the interrogation is set for Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Polls show a clear difference in popularity: Milei enjoys a 36% positive image, while Adorni sits at a low 13%.
Milei's appointment of Ravier is a strategic move to reset the communication strategy damaged by the Adorni scandal. By bringing in a respected economist who was once a critic, Milei hopes to regain the public's trust and focus on governance rather than controversies.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
