01/07/2026 03:34 - Politica
President Javier Milei has decided to turn the page after more than 100 days of political crisis that kept Argentine public opinion on edge. The resignation of Manuel Adorni as Chief of Staff on June 27, 2026 marked the end of a turbulent chapter, while the swearing-in of Diego Santilli on June 30 at 5:30 PM in the Salón Blanco of Casa Rosada (Argentina's presidential palace) symbolizes a government reset.
For international readers: Manuel Adorni was one of Milei's closest collaborators, serving as presidential spokesperson before being promoted to Chief of Staff (similar to a Prime Minister role in parliamentary systems). The crisis erupted in March 2026 when it was revealed that Adorni's wife had traveled on the presidential aircraft to New York during the "Argentina Week" event. Adorni justified the trip by stating his wife was his "life partner" and that she had been "working herself to exhaustion" ("deslomar" in Argentine slang) for a week due to the intensity of official activities—a phrase that quickly went viral and became a national joke.
Adorni faced months of accusations regarding illicit enrichment and patrimonial inconsistencies. In his final interview with La Nación+, he attempted to justify his wealth growth by claiming cryptocurrency investments made years prior, but the explanation failed to convince either public opinion or Congress, where a censure motion was gathering signatures—120 of the 129 needed.
In his resignation letter, without any self-criticism, Adorni stated: "They have treated me like a criminal and corrupt without a single corruption charge against me." The president accepted his resignation immediately, though he continued to defend Adorni's innocence.
Age: 59 years old
Background: Deputy Mayor of Buenos Aires City (2015-2021)
Party: PRO (center-right party founded by former President Mauricio Macri)
Political Origin: Former Peronist with excellent relationships with provincial governors
Previous Role: Minister of Interior (since November 2025)
Diego Santilli assumes with a profile focused on dialogue and consensus. He retains the Ministry of Interior (delegated to Gustavo Coria) and adds the spokesperson role and congressional relations.
Adrián Ravier, economist and university professor, former national deputy for La Pampa province. A more moderate profile than his predecessor, with strong media communication skills.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by 14 governors from across Argentina's 23 provinces, demonstrating Santilli's political capital and federal articulation capacity. For context: Argentina is a federal republic where provincial governors hold significant power:
| Province | Governor |
|---|---|
| Catamarca | Raúl Jalil |
| Chaco | Leandro Zdero |
| Corrientes | Juan Pablo Valdez |
| Jujuy | Carlos Sadir |
| Mendoza | Alfredo Cornejo |
| Neuquén | Rolo Figueroa |
| Río Negro | Alberto Weretilneck |
| San Juan | Marcelo Orrego |
| Santa Cruz | Claudio Vidal |
| Tucumán | Osvaldo Jaldo |
| Entre Ríos | Rogelio Frigerio |
| Salta | Gustavo Sáenz |
| Buenos Aires City (CABA) | Jorge Macri |
| Córdoba | Martín Llaryora |
Despite the political crisis, the government boasts positive economic indicators that Milei aims to highlight in this new phase. For international readers: Argentina has struggled with high inflation and economic instability for decades:
Cumulative BCRA (central bank) purchases in 2026
International reserves
Trade surplus Jan-May 2026
Official exchange rate (selling)
In an interview with La Nación+, Milei boldly stated that "the economy will be a party if I get reelected", clearly signaling his intention to run for a second term. The president seeks to steer the agenda toward his administration's economic achievements and distance himself from the scandals that overshadowed recent months.
Source: CNN en Español
The Chief of Cabinet of Ministers (Jefe de Gabinete de Ministros) is Argentina's equivalent to a Prime Minister in parliamentary systems, though with important differences. This official:
Alfredo S. Quiroga
