25/06/2026 12:14 - Politica
Esteban Bullrich, one of the founding members of the PRO party alongside former President Mauricio Macri more than two decades ago, submitted his irrevocable resignation on June 25, 2026. The decision was communicated through an extensive letter addressed to the current party president and former head of state.
For international readers: The PRO (Propuesta Republicana) is Argentina's main center-right political party, founded in 2005. It governed the country from 2015-2019 under Macri and remains a key opposition force. Bullrich served as National Senator for Buenos Aires (2017-2023) and as Minister of Education during Macri's administration.
Bullrich, who stepped away from politics after being diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, marked a clear turning point: the PRO's stance regarding the case of Cabinet Chief Manuel Adorni.
In his letter, Bullrich was unequivocal: "The protection given to Manuel Adorni was, for me, the event that finally made that distance evident." The leader stated that "when political convenience begins to weigh more than ethical responsibility, leadership loses its deepest meaning."
Context for international readers: Manuel Adorni is Argentina's Cabinet Chief (similar to a Prime Minister or Chief of Staff). He faces a censure motion with 120 signatures of the 129 required in the Senate, prompted by alleged illicit enrichment after detecting a 775% patrimonial increase in his asset declarations. A session scheduled for June 25, 2026 failed due to lack of quorum, with only 117 present of 129 required.
Adorni acknowledged omissions in his declarations and attributed part of his patrimonial increase to investments in cryptocurrencies made before joining the Government. The PRO had issued statements questioning the official and even presented a censure motion project, but Bullrich considered that the political response was not up to the founding principles.
"For some time now, I struggle to recognize in many party decisions the spirit that gave us origin," Bullrich wrote. "It's not about tactical differences, or nuances typical of any political force. It's about a growing distance between the principles we say we defend and the decisions we finally adopt."
Regarding his illness, he reflected: "My illness forced me to look at life from another place. It taught me that time is too valuable to live in contradiction with one's own conscience."
Bullrich avoided personal rifts with Macri: "I maintain a sincere recognition for having promoted a space that changed the Argentine political map forever." He closed with a wish: "May the PRO be able to rediscover the spirit that inspired its birth."
Censure motion: 120 signatures of 129 required.
Patrimonial increase: 775% (from $20 million to $944 million Argentine pesos).
Failed session: 117 present of 129 required.
Judge in charge: Ariel Lijo.
Adrián Ravier: appointed new presidential spokesperson to replace Adorni.
Bullrich's departure constitutes a symbolic blow to the party. The leader was part of the founding nucleus that accompanied Macri from the early years of political construction in the City of Buenos Aires. For years, he represented one of the most moderate and dialogue-oriented profiles of the coalition, which amplifies the impact of his resignation at a time of reconfiguration of the opposition arc.
Bullrich served as National Senator until 2023, when he resigned after his ALS diagnosis. His book "Spiritual Leadership" collects reflections on public life from his personal experience with the disease.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
