Buenos Aires City City Attorney-General Juan Bautista Mahiques has replaced Mariano Cúneo Libarona as Argentina’s Justice minister, confirming the latter’s long-rumoured departure.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei announced the decision on his X account on Wednesday, thanking the outgoing minister for his work.
Mahiques’ appointment followed a meeting earlier that morning between Milei and Cúneo Libarona, who has repeatedly offered his resignation in recent months. According to government sources, the encounter was aimed at settling the succession and ending speculation.
Writing on his own X account, Mahiques thanked President Milei for his “confidence” in offering him the post. “His leadership has been clear in marking out the path; without justice there is no future,” he gushed.
“That path requires institutions which function in accordance with the rule of law and a legal system with clear and stable rules, capable of rebuilding public confidence, providing real security and offering a predictable framework for compliance,” said the 45-year-old.
Notably Mahiques also thanked Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei for her “permanent support” and “dedication” in leading and strengthening the government’s political team.
The incoming minister expressed his “recognition” for Cúneo Libarona’s work during what he described as “the first stage of transformation,” adding that it must now be consolidated “with responsibility and firmness.”
“Argentina needs a justice system independent of political disputes, impartial in its decisions, swift in its timing and modern in its tools,” Mahiques said. “An institution which protects victims, does not confuse guarantees with impunity and reaffirms, without exception, that the law applies equally to all.”
“I take office with the conviction that without legal certainty there is no investment, without stable rules there is no development and without independent judges there is no Republic,” he concluded.
Mahiques will be seconded by lawyer Santiago Viola, a long-time legal representative of La Libertad Avanza who is close to Karina Milei, her top advisor Eduardo ‘Lule’ Menem and Lower House Speaker Martín Menem. He will replace Sebastián Amerio, an ally of presidential advisor Santiago Caputo.
Born in Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province, Mahiques graduated as a lawyer from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) Law School and completed a master's degree in Justice Administration at Italian university Unitelma Sapienza, based in Rome.
He has connections to Mauricio Macri, dating back to the former president's term in office, when he was the Executive Branch's representative to the Magistrates’ Council.
Talks between Karina Milei and Mahiques over his potential appointment accelerated in recent months following the midterm elections.
Mahiques' name was put forward by the Menems, according to reports, who have well-established connections within the judicial system.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
Comments