President Javier Milei is pressing ahead with a reconfiguration of his Cabinet which, in practice, will leave allies from Mauricio Macri’s PRO on the outside looking in.
Reacting to the resignation of Guillermo Francos on Friday, Milei announced that presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni would be named as Argentina’s Cabinet Chief.
Government sources confirmed that additional changes are on the way and that the modifications will consolidate some of Milei’s most trusted allies in key positions.
Local media reports suggest that top presidential adviser Santiago Caputo is also set to enter the Cabinet, likely as Interior Minister — a post that will gain additional responsibilities and require amendments to the Law of Ministries.
The main political takeaway from this reconfiguration is the end of the “coalition cabinet” — a reference to allies from other parties who joined Milei’s Cabinet in December 2023.
These include former PRO chair Patricia Bullrich and outgoing Defence Minister Luis Petri (Unión Cívica Radical), who will also take up a new legislative post in December.
Analysts see the moves as a bid to centralise power around Milei and his so-called “Iron Triangle” — Presidential Chief of Staff Karina Milei and Santiago Caputo.
It would leave Macri and his PRO party — allied with La Libertad Avanza in Congress — without influence within Milei’s Cabinet.
On Friday, seven lawmakers from PRO announced they were jumping ship to formally join Milei’s caucus in the new Congress, which will be renewed on December 10. Their decision was announced just hours before Macri met with Milei for talks.
Likely Cabinet line-up
Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni – outgoing presidential spokesperson, known for his strong loyalty to Javier Milei and Karina Milei, will replace Guillermo Francos.
Interior Minister Santiago Caputo – the President’s star adviser will formally join the Cabinet with a centralised role “in the 1990s style,” reported Noticias Argentinas. The newly reconfigured portfolio will include responsibilities related to transport and public works.
Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva – currently Patricia Bullrich’s second-in-command and senator-elect, she will take over the portfolio in line with her political boss’ vision.
Justice Minister Sebastián Amerio – Currently serving as justice secretary, he is expected to replace current minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona, who has already offered his resignation.
Presidential Spokesperson Javier Lanari – Adorni’s second-in-command will take over the role, replacing the new Cabinet chief.
Political appointees
Most of the departing officials will be handed new political roles:
Guillermo Francos – outgoing Cabinet chief is expected to be rewarded with a diplomatic posting, with sources indicating he will go to Geneva, Switzerland, as ambassador.
Patricia Bullrich – after her election as a national senator for Buenos Aires City in the midterms, the outgoing Security Minister will chair the La Libertad Avanza caucus in the Senate.
Martín Menem – he will be confirmed in his influential role as Lower House speaker.
– TIMES/NA
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