06/07/2026 03:43 - Politica
On June 30, 2026, Diego Santilli assumed the role of Chief of Cabinet of Ministers following the resignation of Manuel Adorni on June 27. This significant cabinet reshuffle marks a new phase for the national government, aiming to regain political initiative and set the groundwork for President Javier Milei's potential re-election bid in 2027.
Santilli's arrival brings a promise of pragmatism and strategic alliances with provincial governors. The new agenda focuses on eliminating the PASO (Primarias Abiertas Simultáneas y Obligatorias) system and passing the 'Tax Innocence' law. According to reports from the Argentine media outlet Cenital, Karina Milei has a clear objective: to condition political figures like Patricia Bullrich and secure early electoral agreements to strengthen the libertarian space.
The departure of Adorni left behind several officials appointed during his tenure, who are now under the scrutiny of the new leadership. Among them is Pablo Ciocchini, a childhood friend of the former spokesperson, who currently holds three positions: President of the State Advertising Agency, General Manager of the same agency, and Vice President of National Parks.
Another key case is Ian Vignale, Executive Secretary of the Cabinet and director of the Argentine Post Office (Correo Argentino) and the former state news agency Telam. Federico Sicilia, Legal and Administrative Secretary, is also under review, alongside María Fernández Villa, Agostina Brichetti, and Bárbara Pintelos, who occupy various strategic areas.
Reports from opposition media suggesting investigations into alleged illicit enrichment have been firmly dismissed as a Peronist political operation. Santilli and Karina Milei have promised to review these appointments case by case promptly.
A study by the consulting firm Q-Social reveals that 19% of the population shares Milei's values and has personal sympathy for him, while 17% supports his management but not his style. The economy remains the top priority for 61% of those surveyed, taking precedence over the cultural battle.
Regarding the latter, polls from Alaska and TresPuntoZero indicate a shift in public opinion. Support for privatizations dropped from 54% to 34%, and backing for eliminating subsidies fell from 44% to 34%. Additionally, 62% of the public supports maintaining policies of memory, truth, and justice regarding Argentina's last dictatorship.
The opposition landscape shows significant internal tensions within Peronism. Axel Kicillof, the Governor of the crucial Buenos Aires province, faces criticism from both the ruling party and his own political space. According to media reports, former President Cristina Kirchner has expressed that the Buenos Aires governor is not her candidate for 2027.
Peronism faces three possible scenarios for the upcoming elections, especially if the elimination of the PASO primaries is achieved: the impossibility of an open primary due to cost and demobilization, a forced unity scheme as in previous elections, or the presentation of two separate ballots. The latter scenario could benefit Milei in the first round if he secures between 30 and 35 percent of the votes.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
