Argentine President Javier Milei has been dealt a major political blow after his Cabinet chief and close confidant Manuel Adorni resigned on Saturday, stepping down in the wake of a corruption scandal that has shaken the libertarian government and undercut its central promise to eradicate entrenched graft.
Adorni once the public face of Milei’s austerity agenda and anti‑corruption crusade leaves office as federal prosecutors investigate him for illicit enrichment, following weeks of revelations about lavish spending, luxury travel and eyebrow‑raising real estate purchases. His departure strips Milei of one of his most trusted allies, a political outsider who rose alongside him during the 2023 campaign.
The scandal erupted after reports surfaced of Adorni’s wife travelling with him on the presidential aircraft to New York, despite not working in government. Days later, footage showed the family flying on a private jet to Uruguay’s elite Punta del Este resort. Local media reported that Adorni had bought two properties a Buenos Aires apartment and a weekend home since Milei took office, despite earning a publicly disclosed monthly salary of roughly $2,600 until late last year.
Images of additional luxury trips, including an all‑cash vacation to Aruba, intensified scrutiny. Confronted by lawmakers and journalists, Adorni struggled to explain how his lifestyle aligned with his modest income.
Although he initially denied wrongdoing, Adorni later admitted to buying dollars on Argentina’s black market and hiding $500,000 in savings from tax authorities an illegal but widespread practice in the country’s crisis‑ridden economy. He insisted the money was earned legitimately, including through cryptocurrency investments.
In a resignation letter posted on social media, Adorni wrote: “For the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes,” thanking Milei for his trust and calling the investigation “unjust, painful and exhausting” for his family.
Milei has continued to defend his embattled aide, telling reporters in Spain last week: “Manuel is innocent. I stand by my ministers to the bitter end.” His sister and top adviser, Karina Milei, praised Adorni’s “tireless work” and described him as an “upright, valuable and much‑loved” member of their movement.
Still, the scandal has damaged the government’s public image, weakened its negotiating power in Congress and complicated its messaging on spending cuts at a time when many Argentines are struggling with wages that lag far behind inflation.
It remains unclear who will replace Adorni as Cabinet chief.
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