Argentina sees top-level cabinet shake-up as cabinet chief resigns

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
Today 12:52

Argentine President Javier Milei accepts the resignation of Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos and names Manuel Adorni as his replacement.

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President Javier Milei, right, and Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos sing the national anthem during a ceremony to greet the athletes who will compete in the Paris Olympic Games, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on July 5, 2024 (AP)

Argentina’s President Javier Milei has accepted the resignation of Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos and appointed presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni as his successor, effective Monday, in a significant reshuffle of the administration’s senior team.

Francos steps down, Adorni takes over

Francos, a veteran politician who previously served as Interior Minister before assuming the cabinet chief role, announced his resignation in a public letter, noting that the decision was intended to allow the president to “face without constraints the stage of government that begins after the national elections.”

Adorni, who has served as the government’s official spokesperson, will retain his communications role while assuming the responsibilities of the cabinet chief of staff. The presidency described the change as part of a broader effort “to renew political dialogue and advance structural reforms in the country” following recent electoral results.

Wider cabinet changes

The shake-up also affected other senior positions. Interior Minister Lisandro Catalan resigned on Friday, having held the post for less than two months. Reports indicate that senior advisor Santiago Caputo may assume the Interior Ministry, suggesting that the changes extend beyond the Chief of Staff’s office.

The timing of the reshuffle follows Milei’s party securing a strong result in the October 26 midterm elections, which the administration says provides momentum for a “second stage” focused on structural reforms. Francos had been regarded as a mediator within the administration, maintaining relations with provincial governments and Congress. Adorni, by contrast, is closely aligned with Milei’s communications and policy messaging, signaling a stronger focus on the president’s core agenda.

Political analysts have noted that Francos’ experience and institutional credibility were valuable, but his establishment background was less aligned with Milei’s approach.

Milie wins big following huge US bailout

Earlier in late October, Milei scored a sweeping victory in the midterms after receiving a $40 billion bailout from the US and direct support from US President Donald Trump. The win has sparked sharp debate within Argentina, with critics warning the country is edging toward becoming a “colony of the US.”

Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza, secured a dominant position in Congress following the vote, especially after joining forces with the center-right PRO party, led by former president Mauricio Macri. The final results, 41% to 32%, stunned pollsters and political observers alike, who had predicted a much closer race.

In the days leading up to the vote, Trump publicly pledged economic support to Milei’s government but warned that such aid would be withdrawn if he lost. Opposition posters across Buenos Aires depicted Milei’s name overlaid on a US flag, a visual protest against what many saw as foreign interference in Argentina’s democratic process.

Despite an economic crisis marked by soaring inflation and mass layoffs, Milei’s campaign leveraged US backing to project an image of international stability, and for many voters, that proved decisive.

A look into Argentina's political system

Argentina has a representative democratic republic with a presidential system of government. Power is divided among three branches:

Executive: Led by the president, who serves as both head of state and head of government, the executive branch oversees national administration, foreign policy, and the armed forces. The president is elected by popular vote for a four-year term and can seek one consecutive re-election.
Legislative: The National Congress is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate (72 members representing the provinces and Buenos Aires) and the Chamber of Deputies (257 members elected by proportional representation). It makes laws, approves the budget, and checks executive power.
Judicial: The Judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, is independent and ensures the constitutionality of laws and the protection of civil rights.

Argentina is also a federal state, meaning power is shared between the national government and 23 provinces plus the autonomous city of Buenos Aires, each with its own constitution, governor, and legislature.