01/07/2026 03:27 - Politica
Diego Santilli officially became Argentina's new Chief of Cabinet of Ministers (Jefe de Gabinete) after being sworn in on June 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM in a ceremony held at the Salón Blanco of the Casa Rosada—the presidential palace in Buenos Aires, equivalent to the White House in the United States. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for President Javier Milei's administration as it seeks to rebuild relationships with provincial governors and advance its legislative agenda.
Santilli, 59 years old, brings a solid track record to the position: he served as Vice-Mayor of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires from 2015 to 2021 and was the Minister of the Interior since November 2025. His appointment follows the resignation of Manuel Adorni, who stepped down on June 27, 2026 amid a scandal involving a 775% increase in his personal wealth—his assets reportedly grew from approximately $20 million pesos to $944 million pesos, according to judicial investigations.
The ceremony featured a significant display of political support. 14 governors confirmed their attendance at the swearing-in ceremony:
Santilli will retain oversight of the Ministry of the Interior, which will be led by Gustavo Coria as Vice-Chief of the Interior. Additionally, Ignacio Devitt will serve as Executive Vice-Chief.
The new Cabinet Chief adds to his responsibilities the presidential press office and relations with Congress—two critical areas for Milei's administration.
Manuel Adorni resigned on June 27, 2026 following a media and judicial scandal over his 775% wealth increase. Investigations indicate his net worth grew from $20 million pesos to $944 million pesos in a questionable timeframe.
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita is investigating the case. According to statements by Matías Tabar, Adorni allegedly paid $245,000 USD in cash for renovations at the Indio Cuá country club. Additionally, purchases made using other officials' credit cards are under investigation, along with the possession of 500,000 USD in undeclared cryptocurrency.
A censure motion against Adorni had accumulated 120 of the 129 signatures required for approval in Congress, which precipitated his resignation.
On the same day, June 30, 2026, President Javier Milei had an intense schedule: in the morning, he attended the MERCOSUR Summit in Asunción, Paraguay—a meeting of the South American trade bloc that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. That evening, he opened the Conference of Caucus Presidents of Latin America at 8:15 PM at the Alvear Icon Hotel in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires.
Milei is also expected to travel to the United States on July 3 for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Santilli's appointment represents the government's attempt to rebuild ties with provincial governors and advance key legislative projects. The new Cabinet Chief faces the challenge of coordinating with Argentina's 23 provinces while managing the country's delicate economic situation.
The official exchange rate reached $1,500 Argentine pesos per US dollar at Banco Nación on June 30—the highest level since October 2025, with an increase of nearly 5% in June alone. The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has accumulated USD 11 billion in purchases during 2026, and international reserves stand at approximately USD 47 billion.
Source: La Nación
Alfredo S. Quiroga
