28/06/2026 21:04 - Politica
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, President Javier Milei confirmed via his official X account that Diego Santilli will assume the role of Cabinet Chief of Ministers. Santilli, previously the Minister of the Interior, succeeds Manuel Adorni, who resigned on Friday, June 27, following months of public scrutiny regarding his personal finances.
The President posted a photo from the Quinta de Olivos (the official presidential residence), showing him with Santilli and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei. The post confirmed the appointment and set the swearing-in ceremony for Tuesday at 4:00 PM.
"Here with the new Cabinet Chief of Ministers @diegosantilli and the Sec. Gen. of the Presidency @KarinaMilei outlining the foundations for an orderly transition. The swearing-in will be on Tuesday at 4:00 PM."
Santilli becomes the fourth Cabinet Chief of the Milei administration, which began in December 2023, highlighting the high turnover in this critical coordination role.
Diego Santilli is a seasoned Argentine politician born on April 6, 1967, in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires. He is a certified public accountant graduated from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and has a long trajectory in public service, largely within the PRO party (Propuesta Republicana).
| Role | Period |
|---|---|
| Minister of Environment and Public Space (City of Buenos Aires) | 2009-2013 |
| National Senator for Buenos Aires City | 2013-2015 |
| Vice Mayor of Buenos Aires City | 2015-2021 |
| National Deputy for Buenos Aires Province | 2021-2025 |
| Minister of the Interior | Nov. 2025 - Jun. 2026 |
His career is marked by his executive experience in the City of Buenos Aires and his ability to negotiate across different political sectors, a skill that will be vital in his new role as Cabinet Chief.
Santilli's stock rose significantly after the October 2025 legislative elections. He led a coalition that achieved a stunning victory in the crucial Buenos Aires Province, securing 41.5% of the vote. This result overturned a significant polling deficit, proving his capability as a campaign strategist and negotiator—traits essential for managing Argentina's complex political landscape.
Unlike his predecessors, Santilli enters the office with strong internal support. He has cultivated a solid working relationship with Karina Milei, the President's sister and a key power broker, as well as with Santiago Caputo, a top presidential advisor. This dual connection minimizes internal friction, which has been a challenge in previous cabinet appointments.
The vacancy arose after Manuel Adorni resigned on Friday, June 27. Adorni had faced sustained criticism regarding his personal wealth declarations. In his resignation letter, he claimed to be the victim of "media attacks" and defended his integrity.
To ensure stability, the newly appointed presidential spokesperson, Adrián Ravier, announced that transition teams would meet on Monday to facilitate a smooth handover of responsibilities.
The appointment signals a strategic consolidation for the government. Santilli is expected to possibly absorb the Ministry of Interior portfolio or coordinate closely with Ignacio Devitt. His primary challenge will be navigating the legislative agenda and negotiating with provincial governors, tasks for which his background in the PRO party and his recent electoral success have prepared him.
"I believe in collective projects, not individual ones. I will give everything I have so that this Government continues to advance with the structural reforms that Argentina needs," Santilli posted on his social media channels shortly after the announcement.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
