Pressure is increasing on Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni amid a constant drip-feed of revelations and developments about his personal finances – but for President Javier Milei’s government, it’s business as usual.
Adorni received a strong show of support from Karina Milei, the head of state’s sister and powerful presidential chief-of-staff, on Thursday as she took the embattled official with her on a trip down south to visit the Vaca Muerta formation, the world’s second-largest reserve of unconventional gas and fourth-largest oil reserve.
Clad in overalls from state energy firm YPF, Karina – dubbed “The Boss” by her brother in a nod to the extent of her power – ensured Adorni remained in the spotlight on the trip.
The Milei administration is publicly proclaiming its support for Adorni ahead of a high-stakes congressional appearance at the end of the month, one could define his political survival.
Adorni, who is under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment, is due to face lawmakers in the lower house Chamber of Deputies on April 29. Feelings are mixed about the impending appearance – some within the ruling party believe it will allow the official to draw a line over the ongoing scandal; others warn it could turn into a political ambush.
Despite mounting pressure and unease within sectors of La Libertad Avanza, the government is signalling there will be no retreat.
Since the scandal broke, both of the Milei siblings have made public appearances with Adorni, with Karina emerging as the key pillar propping up the former presidential spokesperson. Her decision to appear repeatedly at his side underlines the strategy and desire to close ranks.
Thursday’s Vaca Muerta trip, billed as an energy-sector engagement, was their second joint appearance in days, following a visit to the ANLIS-Malbrán Institute earlier in the week.
Adorni also accompanied President Milei to the AmCham Summit, sitting in the front row as the head of state addressed business leaders in Buenos Aires.
Thursday’s trip to Neuquén was the latest show of support. Official photographs from the visit showed Karina Milei and Adorni, together with other officials, smiling and wearing YPF overalls – the same attire often worn by President Milei when working at the Quinta de Olivos presidential residence on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. The duo visited offices and toured drilling rigs at the Loma Campana field.
The optics were clear – a public show of confidence at a time when Adorni’s position is under clear scrutiny.
Legal developments
Meanwhile, the investigation into Adorni’s finances continues.
This week, testimony at the Comodoro Py federal courthouse centred on the purchase of Adorni’s flat in Buenos Aires’ Caballito neighbourhood, one of a number of properties now known to be linked to the Cabinet chief.
Witnesses said negotiations were handled through third parties, placing intermediaries – including a notary already summoned to testify – at the centre of the inquiry.
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita took testimony from four individuals involved in the purchase and sale of the official’s flat.
Retirees Beatriz Viegas and Claudia Sbabo gave evidence in court and handed over their mobile phones. Investigators are seeking access to any evidence that might shed light on the circumstances surrounding the transactions.
During testimony, Viegas stated that he did not know Adorni personally and noted that he had only seen him at the signing ceremony in the presence of the notary Adriana Nechevenko.
The courts have focused on Nechevenko, who has already been summoned to give evidence as a key figure in the case.
According to Viegas’ account, it was her son, Pablo Martín Feijoo, who was responsible for handling the entire negotiation.
Sbabo also explained to the prosecutor that the sale was handled by her stepson, Leandro Miano, Feijoo’s business partner in the property sector.
The woman explained that she had purchased her share of the property with her own savings and stated she currently receives a pension of around 350,000 pesos.
Nechevenko also confirmed in court that Feijoo was the person who arranged the transaction, placing Viegas’ son at the centre of the probe.
The case has also spilled onto the streets. On Thursday, social organisations staged a soup kitchen demonstration outside the Caballito property, highlighting the sensitivity of the allegations as Argentina grapples with austerity.
Cracks are also beginning to show inside La Libertad Avanza, according to local media. Some figures privately draw parallels with the ex-lawmaker José Luis Espert, who withdrew from last year’s election campaign amid controversy. Others fear Adorni’s upcoming congressional appearance could hand the opposition a chance to further ramp up the pressure.
“They’re going to tear him to pieces,” a source within the ruling party said, echoing the stance of several external allies.
Despite internal disagreements, the decision to showcase the Cabinet chief at Vaca Muerta this week confirms the Mileis are unmoved.
The Casa Rosada insists Adorni will attend Congress as planned on April 29 and that he has the political skill to withstand questioning. For the President’s inner circle, the appearance is not a risk but an opportunity to reaffirm the government’s course.
The message from the top is clear: Adorni stays – at least for now.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
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