President Javier Milei announced on Sunday that Interior Minister Diego Santilli will assume the role of chief of cabinet, a change confirmed in a post on his X account. Santilli is slated to take up the post on Tuesday, succeeding Manuel Adorni, who resigned following corruption allegations and is now under investigation.
The reshuffle takes place against a backdrop of reported declines in Mileis approval and growing friction among members of his cabinet. Mileis social media post named Santilli as his choice for the position, with the incoming cabinet chief expressing a commitment to continue the administrations reform agenda.
"I am going to give everything so that this government continues to advance in the structural reforms that Argentina has needed for decades," Santilli said in a separate message on X.
Santilli is an accountant affiliated with the center-right PRO party founded by former president Mauricio Macri. His political résumé includes serving as deputy chief of the City of Buenos Aires, as a congressman and senator, and as security minister of the City of Buenos Aires. The appointment returns him to the national executive team as chief of cabinet.
Manuel Adorni submitted his resignation on Saturday and is currently facing an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment, among other offenses. Adorni has also been criticized for several personal trips taken with his family while in office, including a first-class holiday to Aruba during the Christmas period and a private jet flight to Uruguay for Carnival season. He has maintained that his wealth was acquired prior to entering government and that those travels were paid for with private funds.
Context and immediate implications
- The presidents announcement was posted on X and names Santilli as the new head of the cabinet, with the change effective Tuesday.
- Adorni resigned amid allegations of illicit enrichment and has faced public scrutiny over high-profile personal travel; he says his assets and trips were privately funded.
- Santillis background spans executive and legislative roles in Buenos Aires and affiliation with the PRO party.
The administration has signaled continuity through Santillis pledge to push forward structural reforms; however, the cabinet change follows reports of internal tensions and waning public support for the president. The investigation into Adorni and questions about his travel have been central to his resignation.