Manuel Adorni would resign from his position in the YPF board after his departure from the Argentine government

Diego Santilli has been appointed as the new Chief of Cabinet by Argentine President Javier Milei, following the resignation of his predecessor, Manuel Adorni, who was under investigation for alleged corruption. The appointment took place on Sunday, just one day after Adorni's departure, marking the fourth change in the role since Milei’s administration began. Santilli, currently serving as Minister of the Interior, will now take over the responsibilities of coordinating the government’s operations and ensuring continuity amid the transition.

The announcement came shortly after Adorni submitted his resignation letter to the president, which he sent on Saturday. This decision followed months of scrutiny and legal investigations into allegations of illicit enrichment. According to reports, Adorni had also resigned from his position on the board of directors of the state-owned oil company YPF, a move that further solidified his exit from public life. Sources close to the presidential office confirmed that Adorni would not hold any future public positions, emphasizing that he would face the legal consequences without any privileges or exemptions.

The transition process is being managed carefully to ensure stability within the government. On Monday, the presidential spokesperson, Adrián Ravier, announced that teams previously working with Adorni would meet with those supporting Santilli to facilitate a smooth handover. The official swearing-in ceremony for Santilli is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. In response to the change, Santilli expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Milei during this new phase of governance. He emphasized that the transition must be orderly and responsible, highlighting his plans to engage with energy sector stakeholders and continue implementing the government’s program.

Santilli’s appointment comes with internal consensus, supported by both First Lady Karina Milei and Santiago Caputo, who recommended him as the ideal candidate. His political career spans more than two decades, beginning in the Buenos Aires peronist movement before aligning with former President Mauricio Macri’s administration. He served as a city legislator from 2003 to 2009, reaching the position of first vice-president of the legislature. Later, he became the Minister of Environment and Public Space under Macri until 2013, when he was elected as a national senator representing Buenos Aires City.

In 2015, he was chosen as the running mate of Horacio Rodríguez Larreta, the then-mayor of Buenos Aires, and together they won the mayoral election against Martín Lousteau. Known for his ability to mediate between the executive branch and Congress, Santilli played a crucial role in the legislative elections of 2025, leading the list of national deputies for La Libertad Avanza in Buenos Aires province with support from the PRO party, replacing José Luis Espert, whose actions had sparked significant controversy.

President Milei’s decision to appoint Santilli reflects a strategic move to stabilize the government amidst ongoing challenges. With his extensive experience and established relationships within the political landscape, Santilli is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining institutional continuity and addressing the administrative and policy coordination needs of the administration. His background in commerce and public administration, combined with his political acumen, positions him well to navigate the complexities of the current political environment in Argentina.