20/06/2026 15:58 - Politica
Acto oficial en el Monumento a la Bandera de Rosario con autoridades políticas, banderas argentinas y la torre emblemática de fondo
On June 20, 2026, Argentina commemorated the 206th anniversary of the death of Manuel Belgrano, the creator of the national flag. The ceremony took place at the National Flag Monument in Rosario, Santa Fe province. However, the event was marked by visible tension within the national government: President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel avoided any interaction or greeting throughout the official event.
For international context, the National Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) is one of Argentina's most important holidays, honoring Belgrano, a key independence hero. The main ceremony is always held in Rosario at the massive Monument to the Flag, which was recently reinaugurated after a restoration investment exceeding $4 billion Argentine pesos.
The Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, attended the event only by invitation from the provincial Governor Maximiliano Pullaro, as she was notably excluded from the official national government protocol. Reports suggest that Karina Milei, the President's sister and influential figure, intervened to exclude the Vice President from the official entourage.
Villarruel took the opportunity to criticize the government's Cabinet Chief, Manuel Adorni, stating: "There is no one more at odds with Belgrano's values than him." This highlights the internal power struggle, as Adorni faces a potential censure motion in the Senate, having already secured 120 of the 129 required signatures to move forward.
The tension stems from a significant scandal involving Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni. He admitted to an omission of USD 500,000 in his asset declaration. His reported net worth skyrocketed from $20 million to $944 million, a 775% increase, raising serious questions about transparency.
The Senate has rescheduled his summons for June 25, 2026. If the censure motion passes, he would be required to appear on July 2, 2026. While opposition parties demand his resignation, President Milei continues to back him. In a move to reshape communications, Milei appointed economist Adrián Ravier as the new presidential spokesperson on June 19, 2026.
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Censure Motion Signatures | 120 of 129 obtained |
| Senate Interpellation | June 25, 2026 |
| Mandatory Appearance | July 2, 2026 |
In his speech, President Milei framed the historical figure of Belgrano in economic terms, calling him "Argentina's first economic liberal intellectual." This aligns with Milei's libertarian ideology. He greeted his cabinet warmly but maintained a cold distance from Villarruel. Governor Pullaro used the platform to demand more infrastructure projects for Santa Fe, while Rosario's Mayor Pablo Javkin highlighted improvements in security with the phrase: "Fear has changed sides."
For those unfamiliar with Argentine history, Manuel Belgrano (1770–1820) was a lawyer, economist, and military leader who created the Argentine flag on February 27, 1812, during the War of Independence. He died on June 20, 1820, at age 50. He is revered for donating his fortune to public education and his role in the country's founding.
The National Flag Monument in Rosario is unique worldwide, dedicated solely to a national flag. It houses his remains and features a 70-meter tower overlooking the Paraná River.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
