30/06/2026 09:48 - Politica
Diego Santilli will be officially sworn in on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 as Argentina's new Chief of Cabinet of Ministers, following the abrupt resignation of Manuel Adorni triggered by a wealth scandal that has shaken President Javier Milei's administration. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 PM at the Salón Blanco (White Hall) of the Casa Rosada, Argentina's Government House.
Context for foreign readers: The Chief of Cabinet of Ministers (Jefe de Gabinete) is Argentina's second-highest government position after the President, similar to a Prime Minister or White House Chief of Staff. This role coordinates all ministries, manages relations with Congress, and serves as the government's primary spokesperson.
Santilli, 59, arrives at the position while retaining his role as Minister of the Interior — where Gustavo Coria will continue as second-in-command — and adding key responsibilities: government spokesperson, congressional relations, and management control. His moderate profile and strong relationships with Karina Milei (the President's sister and key advisor) and political operator Santiago Caputo were decisive factors in his appointment.
Adorni's resignation on June 27, 2026 came after the revelation of a staggering 775% increase in his personal wealth, rising from $20 million pesos to $944 million pesos (approximately $20,000 to $944,000 USD at official exchange rates) within a questionable timeframe. Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita's investigation uncovered:
$245,000 USD paid "off the books" for luxury renovations at the exclusive Indio Cuá country club, according to testimony from contractor Matías Tabar.
Approximately $500,000 USD in undeclared digital assets discovered in his portfolio, never reported in mandatory asset declarations.
Misuse of public resources: Investigations revealed purchases using subordinate employees' government credit cards, including:
Damning audio: Adorni sent a message to Tabar attempting to influence his testimony before the court, offering "all the support you need" — evidence of potential witness tampering.
A motion of censure in Congress had already gathered 120 signatures out of the 129 required to proceed, indicating widespread political rejection.
| Age: | 59 years old |
| Previous Role: | Minister of the Interior |
| Experience: | Deputy Mayor of Buenos Aires City (2015-2021) |
| Electoral Performance: | 41.5% in Buenos Aires Province (Oct 2025) |
| Political Allies: | Karina Milei, Santiago Caputo |
Background: Santilli is a veteran politician from the PRO party (center-right), with extensive experience in Buenos Aires City government and strong ties to traditional Peronist governors, making him an ideal bridge between Milei's libertarian administration and provincial leaders.
| Wealth Increase: | 775% |
| Initial Assets: | $20 million pesos |
| Final Assets: | $944 million pesos |
| Off-the-books Payments: | $245,000 USD |
| Undeclared Crypto: | ~$500,000 USD |
Location: Indio Cuá is an exclusive gated community ("country") in the Buenos Aires suburbs, popular among Argentina's political and business elite for its luxury amenities and privacy.
President Javier Milei faces a packed agenda on June 30, 2026. In the morning, he will participate in the MERCOSUR Summit in Asunción, Paraguay, where critical topics are under debate: a potential trade agreement with the United States and the possible reintegration of Venezuela into the regional bloc.
About MERCOSUR: The Southern Common Market is South America's largest economic integration project, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It represents a market of over 260 million people and is the world's 5th largest economy by GDP.
In the evening, Milei will open the Conference of Presidents of the Latin America Caucus at 8:15 PM at the Alvear Icon Hotel in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. The event will gather legislators, ambassadors, and religious leaders from across the region.
Key conference topics include expanding the Isaac Agreements (cooperation frameworks for technology and innovation), adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, and developing legislative responses against terrorism. Participants include Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Flávio Bolsonaro, Brazil's presidential candidate.
Santilli's appointment aims to stabilize the administration after the severe reputational damage caused by Adorni's departure. With his experience as Buenos Aires City Deputy Mayor and proven negotiation skills, Santilli is expected to improve congressional relations and manage pending conflicts with provincial governors. Meanwhile, Karina Milei maintains her influential role as Secretary of Media and seeks to increase her influence in parliamentary negotiations. The move signals Milei's administration prioritizing governance stability over ideological purity.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
