24/06/2026 16:11 - Politica
Argentina's national government is facing an unprecedented political crisis after the outbreak of what has been dubbed "AdorniGate", a scandal involving former presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni and his alleged illicit enrichment. In the midst of this situation, President Javier Milei has scheduled a trip to Spain for Wednesday, June 24, 2026, according to official sources.
The scandal erupted when it was revealed that Adorni's net worth allegedly grew from $20 million pesos to $944 million pesos, representing a staggering 775% increase during a period currently under investigation by federal courts. Federal Judge Ariel Lijo is overseeing the case that could determine criminal liabilities.
Javier Milei is Argentina's president since December 2023, a libertarian economist known internationally for his flamboyant style and radical economic reforms. The presidential spokesperson in Argentina is a high-ranking official responsible for communicating government decisions to the press and public.
| Initial Net Worth | $20 million pesos |
| Final Net Worth | $944 million pesos |
| Percentage Increase | 775% |
| Censure Motion Signatures | 120 out of 129 needed |
Judge in Charge: Ariel Lijo
Key Upcoming Date: July 2, 2026 (potential "D-Day")
Referral: Constitutional Affairs Committee since June 30, 2026
Failed Session: 117 present out of 129 required for quorum
Given the gravity of the situation, Milei appointed Adrián Ravier as the new presidential spokesperson. Ravier is a national congressman from La Pampa province, a liberal economist, disciple of Spanish economist Jesús Huerta de Soto, and academic director of Fundación Faro, a free-market think tank. He will need to request leave from his legislative position to assume the new role.
The Argentine Chamber of Deputies requires a quorum of at least 129 legislators (absolute majority of 257 total) to conduct official business. PRO (Propuesta Republicana) and UCR (Unión Cívica Radical) are two major opposition parties that, along with provincial blocs, refused to provide quorum following an agreement with Chamber President Martín Menem.
The session convened for June 25, 2026 to question Adorni failed due to lack of quorum. Only 117 legislators were present when 129 were required.
On June 23, 2026, Milei participated in an event at Fundación Faro held at the Yacht Club in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires. There, he celebrated the 2.3% year-on-year GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 and presented his book "La moral como política de Estado" (Morality as State Policy).
Notable attendees included: Adrián Ravier (new spokesperson), Fabián Fernández (Media Secretary), Manuel Adorni, Karina Milei (the president's sister and key advisor), Federico Sturzenegger, Santiago Caputo, and Agustín Laje as moderator. Also present were David Friedman (son of Nobel laureate Milton Friedman) and Alberto Benegas Lynch (h).
The debate on the Adorni case has been referred to the Constitutional Affairs Committee since June 30, 2026. Manuel Adorni is required to appear before the Senate on July 2, 2026, a date that could be decisive for his political and judicial future.
The editorial line of IMAGO notes that news regarding Manuel Adorni's alleged illicit enrichment has been characterized by some political analysts as an operation orchestrated by the Peronist opposition, though the judicial investigation continues its course.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
