Diego Santilli has taken decisive steps to reinforce political coordination within his administration following recent tensions with provincial governors who opposed key legislative initiatives. Just over a month into his role as Chief of Cabinet, Santilli has already moved swiftly to address concerns raised after several Peronist and dialogue-aligned governors voted against the Law of Inviolability of Private Property. These governors, including Salta’s Gustavo Sáenz, Catamarca’s Raúl Jalil, Tucumán’s Osvaldo Jaldo, Neuquén’s “Rolo” Figueroa, and Misiones’ Hugo Passalaqua, reportedly took strong stances against the law, particularly its provisions regarding foreign ownership of land. The move was seen as a challenge to the government's authority, prompting Santilli to activate a containment strategy to prevent further dissent among allies. The situation escalated after these governors, some of whom have close ties to former leaders, expressed their opposition through both legislative and public statements. According to officials, while the initial reaction was one of alarm, the administration acknowledged strategic missteps, particularly the lack of a counter-narrative to criticisms of the bill, and admitted that many provincial leaders were influenced by public sentiment, especially those seeking re-election. Despite this, Santilli maintained that the issue was isolated rather than indicative of a broader policy shift by allied governors. He emphasized his continued strong relationship with them, though he acknowledged they could not be fully controlled. In response, Santilli has initiated tighter oversight of future legislation, ensuring that all proposals undergo review by the political steering committee before being submitted. This measure aims to minimize errors and align legislative efforts more closely with the government’s priorities. As a result, certain initiatives, such as those related to deregulation of markets like shipping and books, are likely to be postponed or scaled back. Only the insurance sector appears to have a clearer path forward, though even this faces uncertainty. The administration is currently focused on passing the upcoming primary elections and other critical laws, which remain central to its agenda. Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that the government must broaden its electoral base to ensure the re-election of President Javier Milei in 2027. Agustín Laje, executive director of the Faro Foundation, warned that Milei lacks sufficient support to win outright in the first round of voting. Based on current approval ratings, around 38% according to the Universidad Di Tella index, Laje argued that Milei will need to build alliances beyond his core supporters. He praised Santilli’s potential to serve as a bridge between the president’s ideological stance and broader political realities, noting that improving communication and outreach will be crucial. Laje also highlighted the importance of engaging the center of the political spectrum, which remains undecided. He described the electorate as divided into three groups: those aligned with Milei, those leaning toward Peronism, and a third group of swing voters whose preferences could determine the outcome. While Milei has shown rapid adaptation to political dynamics, Laje cautioned that his approach must become more pragmatic to appeal to wider audiences. He also questioned whether Karina Milei, the president’s sister and chief strategist, should pursue a political career, suggesting that her expertise might be better spent on cultural campaigns rather than electoral competition. On another front, the government has announced the appointment of Adriana Baravalle as the new secretary of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Baravalle, an expert in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity, replaces Darío Genua, who left the position in July after a restructuring led by the Office of the Chief of Cabinet. Her nomination was recommended by Martín Migoya, CEO of Globant, and she will operate under the political guidance of Santilli, who oversees the area through the vice-chief of cabinet, Ignacio Devitt. Baravalle’s responsibilities include advancing technological innovation, strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors, and supporting institutions such as CONICET and CONAE. She holds academic credentials from prestigious universities and has experience in both research and industry applications. The reorganization has shifted several agencies, including ENaCom and AAIP, under the direct supervision of the Chief of Cabinet, while others, like Arsat and Correo Argentino, fall under the Interior Ministry. This restructuring has reduced the autonomy of the previous department, leading to Genua’s departure. Baravalle’s appointment signals a renewed focus on technology-driven policies, with an emphasis on international cooperation and ethical AI development. Her work will continue to intersect with global trends, reinforcing Argentina’s position in emerging technologies.
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