President Javier Milei’s government wants to project unity amid the political crisis surrounding Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni. During an extended Cabinet meeting held on Thursday at the Casa Rosada, both the President and his sister, powerful Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, publicly backed the official despite the mounting accusations and scrutiny over his personal wealth.
The meeting unfolded in a tense atmosphere, particularly after midweek comments by La Libertad Avanza Senator Patricia Bullrich, who publicly called on Adorni “immediately” present his sworn financial declaration to the authorities laying out his wealth and assets.
The Cabinet meeting began shortly after 2pm and lasted around two-and-a-half hours. According to government sources, the President opened proceedings with a speech of roughly half an hour in length, during which he offered a “general overview” of the country’s political and economic situation.
During the address, he firmly reiterated his support for Adorni in front of ministers and senior officials, leaving them in no doubt that the Cabinet chief would not be sacrificed despite heavy media pressure.
Following Milei’s remarks and the President’s departure, Adorni took over the meeting and presented the government’s plan for 2026-2027. He thanked officials for their work during the recent management report delivered to Congress.
For the top officials present, the backing of both Milei siblings for Adorni was interpreted as a clear political signal.
In the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting, Adorni led a government press conference at the Casa Rosada press room, appearing alongside two ministers, and attended an event at a Mercedes-Benz factory alongside Karina.
Throughout the week, President Milei publicly defended the Cabinet minister in television interviews and on social media, sharing messages backing Adorni and criticising sections of the press that reported on the allegations surrounding his assets.
The backdrop to the meeting was Bullrich’s intervention. The former national security minister has caused discomfort within government ranks after publicly demanding explanations regarding the Cabinet chief’s financial situation.
On Thursday night, Adorni had tried to downplay the dispute with Bullrich. “She’s phenomenal,” he said during an interview with Alejandro Fantino.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Bullrich attended the meeting and commented on the situation in the National Congress. She also addressed the President and Karina Milei directly, both of whom remain firmly committed to politically supporting Adorni.
Government officials declined to provide details about the specific content of the interventions, though they indicated that “all” ministers and the Executive’s main advisers were present.
Among those present were presidential adviser Santiago Caputo, Economy Minister Luis Caputo, Lower House Speaker Martín Menem and Human Capital Minister Sandra Pettovello.
Also attending were National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, Deregulation & State Transformation Minister Federico Sturzenegger, Central Bank Governor Santiago Bausili, Interior Minister Diego Santilli, Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques, Defence Minister General Carlos Presti, Health Minister Mario Lugones and Legal & Technical Secretary María Ibarzábal.
– TIMES/PERFRIL
