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Milei's Government in Crisis: Pension Protests and the "AdorniGate" Scandal

22/06/2026 16:04 - Politica

Escena política en la Casa Rosada con funcionarios debatiendo en torno a documentos sobre reforma previsional, ambiente tenso profesional, banderas argentinas, iluminación dramática de estudio

The administration of Javier Milei is navigating one of its most challenging periods yet, confronting a dual political crisis: the contentious "Super Rigi" pension reform and the explosive "AdorniGate" scandal involving the Presidential Spokesperson, Manuel Adorni.

The "Super Rigi" Pension Reform Explained

For international observers, the term "Super Rigi" refers to a proposed overhaul of Argentina's social security system currently debated in the Senate. The bill proposes raising the retirement age to 65 (and 68 for new contributors), requiring 35 years of contributions, and calculating benefits based on 240 salary payments, a formula critics argue reduces payouts significantly.

Key Points of the Reform
  • Retirement Age: 65 years (68 for new entrants).
  • Contribution Years: 35 years required.
  • Calculation Base: Based on 240 remunerations (approximately 20 years of salary history).
  • Extraordinary Tax: Tiered contributions starting from assets of $3 million.

Opposition is fierce. A multi-sector coalition is camped at Plaza Mansilla in Buenos Aires, submitting over 50,000 signatures against the bill. Public hearings are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a final ruling expected in July.

AdorniGate: A Crisis of Trust

The scandal centers on Manuel Adorni, the Presidential Spokesperson. A motion of censure—a formal vote to remove him—has gathered 120 of the 129 signatures needed in the Chamber of Deputies. The controversy stems from allegations that his personal wealth skyrocketed from $20 million to $944 million Argentine Pesos, an increase of 775% in a short timeframe.

Judge Ariel Lijo is leading the investigation into these assets. The political calendar is tight: Adorni's interpellation is scheduled for June 25, 2026, with July 2 marked as a potential decision day for his future.

Social Media Impact

The scandal generated 89.3 million impressions online, with a ratio of 3.1 criticisms for every defense, highlighting the public's rejection.

Adrián Ravier: The New Voice

In a strategic move, President Milei appointed Adrián Ravier as the new spokesperson following a six-hour meeting at the Olivos Presidential Residence (the Argentine equivalent to the White House residence). Ravier, a National Deputy for La Pampa province, is a liberal economist and a disciple of the renowned Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto. He will focus on economic communication, a crucial area given the current reforms.

Internal and External Criticism

Criticism isn't limited to the opposition. Vice President Victoria Villarruel publicly questioned Adorni's alignment with national values. Santa Fe Governor Maxi Pullaro stated in an interview that Adorni would have already been fired if he worked for the province. While Pullaro won't support the censure, he acknowledged the damage to the Republic.

Upcoming Political Agenda

On Tuesday, June 23, Milei will introduce Ravier at the Fundación Faro, a think tank associated with strategist Santiago Caputo. The President is then scheduled to travel to Madrid and New York to celebrate Independence Day events alongside Donald Trump.

Sources: El Cronista, Ámbito.

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Alfredo's Column Alfredo S. Quiroga

Alfredo S. Quiroga