Daniel Scioli joins Javier Milei government as Tourism, Environment & Sports secretary

Veteran Peronist politician Daniel Scioli, Argentina’s current ambassador to Brazil, is to join President Javier Milei’s national government.

Scioli, 67, will take up the role of Tourism, Environment & Sports secretary, Interior Minister Guillermo Francos announced on Tuesday in a post on the X (formerly Twitter) social network. The message was accompanied by a photograph showing the duo alongside President Javier Milei, flashing the libertarian leader’s trademark “thumbs up” photo gesture.

A former two-term governor of Buenos Aires Province, Scioli is an experienced political operator who began his career as a sports star. He served as vice-president of the nation under late former president Néstor Kirchner from 2003 to 2007.

Francos confirmed that Scioli would relinquish his diplomatic post to assume his new role. 

“Thanks, Daniel, for a great job on behalf of our country as its Ambassador in Brazil, recognised by all sectors, now leaving that post to join our team where we are sure you will make an enormous contribution,” wrote the minister. 

The government has yet to define its next ambassador to Brazil. Until Scioli’s replacement has been defined, his chargé d’affaires Rodrigo Carlos Bardoneschi will head the mission.

Scioli, who served as Argentina’s envoy in Brasília throughout Alberto Fernández’s Presidency, won plaudits for his ability to smooth over relations with former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro.

His appointment is something of a surprise given his Peronist implications, though Milei has regularly said he will work with any politician who is open to embracing his ideas.

– TIMES/NA