16/06/2026 15:37 - Politica
Reunión de gabinete gubernamental tensa, funcionarios alrededor de una mesa con documentos, ambiente serio con preocupación visible, iluminación dramática de estudio
Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni is going through one of the most difficult weeks of his administration, facing a possible motion of censure in the Chamber of Deputies while receiving selective support within the ruling party and maintaining the firm backing of President Javier Milei.
Chief of Staff (Jefe de Gabinete) is a position similar to Prime Minister in parliamentary systems. The Chamber of Deputies is Argentina's lower house of Congress. Javier Milei is Argentina's libertarian president elected in 2023. Lilia Lemoine is a congresswoman from Milei's party, previously known as a visual artist and cosplayer.
According to information published by El Día, Adorni's wealth went from $20 million to $944 million Argentine pesos, representing an increase of 775%. Facing questioning, the official admitted the omission of USD 500,000 in his sworn declarations, a situation being investigated by Judge Ariel Lijo.
Adorni attributed the patrimonial growth to a Bitcoin investment made in 2013. However, the explanation failed to calm criticism from the opposition and some sectors of the government itself.
Congresswoman Lilia Lemoine publicly defended Adorni, joining the few ruling party voices that have spoken on the matter. Meanwhile, Javier Milei again backed his Chief of Staff with a forceful message: If there is even a 1% chance, fight 100%.
However, other ruling coalition figures keep their distance. Patricia Bullrich (Security Minister and former presidential candidate) questioned the official, and according to some versions, Karina Milei (the president's sister and powerful political operator) would have distanced herself from the situation. The government suspended cabinet meetings and the political table this week, generating speculation about internal tensions.
The opposition has managed to gather 120 signatures for the censure motion, needing 129 votes to proceed. The session is scheduled for June 23, 2026. In the Senate, it is estimated they could reach about 45 votes of the 32 needed for the required two-thirds.
💡 Context: A motion of censure is a political mechanism to force the removal of a government official. In Argentina, it requires a special majority in Congress. The PRO is the center-right party of former President Mauricio Macri, and the UCR (Radical Civic Union) is a traditional centrist party. Both had initially supported the government in some matters.
The PRO and UCR blocs reportedly withdrew their support for the official, further complicating his political situation.
Paradoxically, the scandal occurs at a time of economic boom for the government:
425 basis points
Lowest since April 2018CCC+ to B-
Credit rating improvementPresident Milei has an intense international agenda:
Meanwhile, the government published in the Official Bulletin 15 judicial appointments after the approval of nominations in the Senate on June 4, 2026, including 11 for the Judiciary and 4 for the Public Ministry.
Amid the political crisis, the Central Bank (BCRA) eased dollar credits through Communication A 8446/2026. Additionally, Decree 467/2026 modified the system for appointing Supreme Court judges, eliminating citizen objections established by Decree 222/03 from the Kirchner era.
Source: Own elaboration based on information from El Día and national media. Date: June 16, 2026.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
