The Casa Rosada was the scene this afternoon of a ceremony that, far from being a simple bureaucratic procedure, became a demonstration of power and alliances. President Javier Milei swore in Diego Santilli as the new Chief of Staff of the Nation, in an event that had the outgoing Manuel Adorni as an unexpected protagonist.
The former official, who left office amid a judicial investigation for alleged illicit enrichment, stood next to Santilli on the stage and, at the end of the oath, merged into a triple embrace with the new minister and Milei himself. An image that, according to political analysts, seeks to convey unity at a time of strong internal tension.
The massive attendance of provincial governors and party leaders was the signal the ruling party was looking for: 14 allied and dialoguing governors were present, including Jorge Macri (CABA), Martín Llaryora (Córdoba), Rogelio Frigerio (Entre Ríos) and Alfredo Cornejo (Mendoza). In contrast, opponents Axel Kicillof, Gildo Insfrán and Ricardo Quintela were not invited.
Also participating in the event were figures from the presidential inner circle such as Karina Milei, advisor Santiago Caputo and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Martín Menem. Despite the attendance of the PRO front line, including deputy Cristian Ritondo, sources from La Libertad Avanza clarified that this appointment does not imply an institutional rapprochement with Mauricio Macri. The former president was not invited to the ceremony, limiting himself to greeting Santilli by phone and through his social networks.
With this change, the Executive Branch seeks two urgent goals: to revive the official communication strategy and consolidate ties with governors to ensure the approval of pending legislative reforms in Congress. «As of this Wednesday, Santilli will coordinate the management of ministers and hold direct meetings with the provinces,» confirmed ruling party sources.
The presence of Adorni, under investigation for illicit enrichment, did not go unnoticed. While the former Chief of Staff was smiling and embracing the new minister, criticism from the opposition was not long in coming. «It is disrespectful that an official accused of corruption is at an inauguration event,» opposition sectors fired.
However, the ruling party preferred to highlight the «strength» of the new stage. «Santilli has experience and capacity for dialogue. He is the right man to coordinate with the provinces and unblock the laws we need,» said a source close to the president.
The day made it clear that, beyond the speeches, Argentine politics continues to move on a board of alliances and symbolic gestures. The triple embrace between Milei, Santilli and Adorni will remain as the image of a government that, despite investigations and internal tensions, seeks to show a united front.
Para mí esto huele a la misma mugre de siempre: Santilli, Adorni y Milei abrazándose como si fueran dueños del país. Yo creo que nos están choreando el futuro con este circo. ¡A la calle a defender lo nuestro, no más farsas!
Para mí este triple abrazo con Adorni es un mensaje clarísimo: lealtad al mango. Santilli tiene los huevos que le faltan a la gilada. Los zurdos llorando como siempre, pero acá vamos a limpiar todo. Vamos Argentina carajo!