BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentine President Javier Milei’s Cabinet chief, Manuel Adorni, resigned on Saturday amid a corruption scandal that has intensified scrutiny of the government’s pledge to combat political corruption.
Adorni, one of Milei’s closest advisers and a prominent figure in the administration since the president took office in December 2023, announced his resignation in a letter shared on social media. His departure removes a key ally who played a central role in promoting the government’s austerity measures and anti-corruption platform.
Federal prosecutors are investigating Adorni over allegations of illicit enrichment. The investigation centers on spending patterns and real estate purchases that critics argue are inconsistent with his publicly disclosed income. Adorni has denied any wrongdoing.
“For the first time since December 10, 2023, I am going against your wishes,” Adorni wrote in his resignation letter addressed to Milei. He thanked the president for his continued trust and described the investigation as an “unjust, painful and exhausting process” for him and his family.
Milei Continues to Defend Close Ally
President Milei has repeatedly expressed support for Adorni despite mounting political pressure surrounding the investigation.
During a visit to Spain last week, Milei told local media that he believed his Cabinet chief was innocent and said he would continue standing behind members of his administration.
The president’s office did not immediately comment on Adorni’s resignation. Karina Milei, the president’s sister and senior adviser, thanked Adorni on social media for what she described as his tireless service, calling him an “upright, valuable and much-loved” member of the governing libertarian movement.
Investigation Focuses on Personal Finances
Public scrutiny of Adorni intensified in March after his wife, who does not hold a government position, accompanied him aboard the presidential aircraft to a conference in New York.
Additional media reports later highlighted trips taken by Adorni and his family aboard a private jet to Uruguay’s Punta del Este resort, along with luxury vacations, including an all-cash trip to Aruba. Local media also reported that he purchased a Buenos Aires apartment and a weekend home outside the capital after Milei assumed office.
According to Adorni’s public financial disclosures, his monthly government salary was approximately $2,600 until late last year.
Questions over the apparent gap between his reported income and personal spending fueled criticism from opposition lawmakers and the media.
Prosecutors Examine Financial Disclosures
For several weeks, Adorni maintained that he had committed no criminal offense. However, as public pressure increased earlier this month, he acknowledged purchasing U.S. dollars through Argentina’s black market and failing to declare approximately $500,000 in savings to tax authorities.
Adorni said the funds were legally earned, including through cryptocurrency investments. While buying foreign currency through unofficial markets and undeclared savings can violate Argentine regulations, such practices have historically been widespread during periods of economic instability.
Federal prosecutors continue to investigate the allegations. Authorities have not announced any charges, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The government has not identified a successor to replace Adorni as Cabinet chief.
Tags: Argentina, Javier Milei, Manuel Adorni, Corruption, Buenos Aires, Cabinet, Politics, Federal Prosecutors, Government, Cryptocurrency, Anti-Corruption, Resignation
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