The failed session last Tuesday in the Chamber of Deputies, which aimed to address projects linked to the scandal surrounding Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni, left a bitter taste for the hardest-line opposition to Javier Milei’s government. But what really happened behind the scenes was a complex political operation that, according to sources consulted, sought to delay Adorni’s ordeal, who has been besieged for months by opposition blocs.
Behind the empty seats that thwarted the interpellation lies one of the darkest maneuvers in recent times, orchestrated from the shadows by presidential advisor Santiago Caputo and executed by the head of the PRO bloc in the lower house, Cristian Ritondo. The move consisted of a sector of the dialoguing opposition deciding not to provide a quorum, thus neutralizing the application of Article 101 of the National Constitution. It is worth recalling that Patricia Bullrich was co-author of the project approved in 2010.
What set off all alarms was Caputo’s response to a post by lawyer Carlos Maslatón on social network X. Maslatón had written: «It is hard, very hard, the current life of an Argentine deputy or senator. The salaries they receive are miserable. A little, but not much, they compensate with the contracts of ‘ñoquis’ they have. That’s why moments like today are expected, where the government has to ‘valijear’ (with secret SIDE funds) numerous opposition members to achieve this or that vote or not to vote. Many anti-Adorni since March found themselves needing to become pro-Adorni today.»
Far from denying the serious accusation, Caputo replied: «Until you stop being a snitch, you won’t get ahead in life, loko.» For the less astute, «snitch» is someone who exposes what others wanted to hide, so the response of the «black monk» only confirms that reserved SIDE funds would have been used to buy wills. The question that arises is: were all the dialoguists bribed not to provide a quorum?
In opposition offices, a version is gaining traction: «They protect Adorni so that Ritondo doesn’t fall,» said a Peronist source, referring to the investigation for illicit enrichment against the head of the PRO bloc. The situation is contradictory, as Mauricio Macri had asked to vote in favor of removing the Chief of Staff. Did Ritondo disobey his political leader? From the hardest-line opposition, they believe that handing over Adorni’s head could backfire on Ritondo himself and other legislators of the yellow party.
The doubts are multiple: which deputies would have been paid from the reserved SIDE funds? Did those from the PRO get paid or did they simply act to protect the head of the bloc? Did Macri agree with this move or was he disobeyed? What became clear is that politics clings to corporatism to prevent the most questioned official of Milei’s government from leaving his post. Adorni is in the conscious and subconscious of the vast majority of Argentines. His surname is synonymous with ostentation and lies, which morally disqualifies him from any vindication, even if he has the support of the «presidential brotherhood.» The citizenry needs neither trial nor more excuses: Adorni is done.
Para mí esto huele a mafia pura, Caputo y Ritondo choreando con la SIDE pa’ salvar al botón de Adorni mientras los laburantes se comen el ajuste. Yo creo que es un pacto de corruptos, la única solución es quemar todo y empezar de nuevo, carajo!
para mi esto huele a verso de la oposicion lloran por un pacto secreto pero si no se cagaban todos se les iba al pedo el unico que labura en el gobierno ahi tenes la joda viva la libertad carajo adorni tiene que seguir los demas que se vayan a cagar son todos corruptos de mierda