17/06/2026 12:33 - Politica
Escena política en el Congreso argentino con ambiente tenso, funcionarios debatiendo, Palacio del Congreso de fondo con banderas argentinas
Argentine President Javier Milei publicly backed his Cabinet Chief, Manuel Adorni, amid a brewing scandal over his personal wealth, sharing a post on social media platform X that accuses the press of "extorting" the official to force his resignation. "The media pressure on Adorni is appalling. They are extorting him: either you resign or we will persecute you and your family," stated the post by Deputy Lilia Lemoine, which the president amplified.
The Cabinet Chief (Jefe de Gabinete) is Argentina's second-highest ranking government official, responsible for coordinating ministerial actions and presenting government reports to Congress. Adorni previously served as Milei's presidential campaign spokesperson.
The presidential message came hours after reports emerged that the official allegedly omitted USD 500,000 from his sworn asset declarations. His net worth allegedly grew from $20 million Argentine pesos to $944 million pesos, a staggering 775% increase that triggered suspicions of illicit enrichment.
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo is leading the investigation into suspected illicit enrichment. Deputy Mónica Frade from the Civic Coalition party filed a complaint alleging "ideological falsehood," claiming Adorni lied in his sworn declaration and before Congress.
The case is now handled by Judge Rafecas and prosecutor Guillermo Marijuan.
According to Argentine newspaper Clarín, the ruling coalition is considering suspending the Senate session scheduled for Thursday, June 18 to prevent the Adorni scandal from gaining further traction. Security Minister Patricia Bullrich would seek to block any attempt at an official summons in the upper chamber.
A censure motion (moción de censura) is a parliamentary procedure in Argentina that can force a Cabinet member's removal. It requires signatures from at least one-third of deputies (129) and approval by absolute majority. Though constitutionally available, it has never been successfully used in Argentine democratic history.
Deputy Sabrina Selva justified the motion: "The Cabinet Chief already bears political responsibility because he stood before everyone and lied. He also lied in his sworn declaration. We believe he cannot continue leading a political position."
Deputy Álvaro González from the PRO party stated that "the Government must resolve this situation," questioning the need for a censure motion: "In all democratic eras, a censure motion has never had to be resolved."
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Sale | Gap 0.7%The social organization Barrios de Pie ("Neighborhoods on Foot") called for a community kitchen protest outside Adorni's home in Caballito, a middle-class Buenos Aires neighborhood, at 500 Miró Street, demanding his dismissal. "We delivered a letter to the president addressing these issues, but Milei never responded. The Argentine people can no longer tolerate such cruelty," stated Norma Morales, a leader of the organization.
Meanwhile, Manuel Adorni confirmed through a note addressed to Senate President Victoria Villarruel that he will appear before the upper chamber on July 2 to present his management report.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
