BUENOS AIRES — The resignation of Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni, a close adviser to Argentine President Javier Milei, has raised doubts about the administration’s commitment to combating corruption, casting a shadow over promises of a new, honest government. Adorni stepped down amid ongoing scrutiny and controversy over his finances, marking the most high-profile departure since Milei took office in late 2023.
Adorni, 46, an accountant by training, faced investigations launched by federal prosecutors earlier this year on allegations of illicit enrichment. Authorities have examined a series of issues, including undisclosed savings totaling approximately $500,000, two real estate purchases, and a $245,000 renovation to his country home. Public concern intensified after reports surfaced of Adorni’s wife traveling to New York on the presidential plane and video footage showing the family vacationing in Uruguay on a private jet. Adorni has denied any wrongdoing.
In his defense, Adorni attributed much of his wealth to cash discovered in his late father’s apartment and profits from an early bitcoin investment prior to his political career. He later acknowledged concealing $500,000 from tax authorities, asserting that such undeclared savings are common practice in Argentina. However, his explanations have been met with skepticism, including from figures within the country’s cryptocurrency community.
The controversy comes at a sensitive juncture for Milei, who ascended to power with a pledge to dismantle what he described as a corrupt political “caste” responsible for Argentina’s protracted economic challenges. The new government has implemented austerity measures aimed at restoring fiscal stability, which have helped reduce inflation and foster modest economic growth. Nonetheless, setbacks remain in sectors like manufacturing and retail, with unemployment rising slightly and real wages recovering slowly, leaving many Argentines facing continued financial strain.
Opposition voices have criticized Adorni’s conduct, highlighting the disconnect between the adviser’s private wealth and the public’s economic hardships. “Adorni tried to convince us that most Argentines keep undeclared cash, when in reality most Argentines can barely make it through the day or to the end of the month,” said opposition lawmaker Maximiliano Ferraro.
Milei initially resisted calls to dismiss Adorni, arguing that action should wait for judicial decisions in order to avoid politicization. However, mounting pressure from Congress and the intensifying scandal ultimately made the resignation unavoidable. In discussing his departure, Milei reaffirmed his support for Adorni’s integrity and promptly appointed veteran politician Diego Santilli as the new cabinet chief, a role similar to chief of staff.
In a letter posted on social media shortly before stepping down, Adorni accused the media of unfair treatment, lamenting that he was portrayed as corrupt without any proven misconduct. The episode poses a significant challenge for a presidency that has hinged much of its credibility on anti-corruption rhetoric amid Argentina’s ongoing struggle for economic recovery.