26/06/2026 15:29 - Politica
Argentina's President Javier Milei broke his silence on June 26, 2026 regarding the scandal engulfing his Cabinet Chief, Manuel Adorni, who is under investigation for alleged illicit enrichment. Speaking from Madrid, Spain, where he was attending the opening of the CEU-María Cristina Summer Courses, the president made his position crystal clear.
"If the Justice system finds him guilty, I'll boot him out, I'll eject him with a kick," Milei declared in an interview with journalist Fernando González. However, he expressed confidence in his official's innocence: "Manuel is innocent. I'm super optimistic that he won't have any problems."
💡 For our international readers: Javier Milei is Argentina's president since December 2023, known for his libertarian economic policies and outspoken style. The Cabinet Chief (Jefe de Gabinete) is a powerful position similar to a Prime Minister or Chief of Staff, coordinating all government ministries.
Milei stated that Adorni's explanation about the origin of his wealth seems "absolutely plausible" to him. "He had to present the numbers, he went, he presented them, done. Let the Justice system decide," the President summarized.
"I back my ministers until the very last consequences," the president added, making clear he won't be swayed by what he called "serial accusers."
Adorni publicly acknowledged on June 10, 2026 that he maintained undeclared savings. According to his explanation, he began investing in cryptocurrencies in 2013 and between 2014 and 2018 accumulated gains of approximately $300,000 USD.
The official admitted to storing at least $500,000 USD on an external device and amended his sworn declarations for 2023 and 2024.
Manuel Adorni is under scrutiny for a 775% increase in his net worth, jumping from approximately 20 million Argentine pesos to 944 million pesos (roughly from $20,000 to $944,000 USD at current exchange rates).
A motion of censure against him has gathered 120 signatures out of the 129 needed to proceed. This political mechanism, rare in Argentine politics, would formally express congressional disapproval.
| Item | Amount (Argentine Pesos) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 Gaming Monitor | $2,184,999.05 | High-end gaming display |
| Epson Projectors (2 units) | $1,831,795 each | Total: $3,663,590 |
| Total Purchases Under Investigation | $5,848,589 | Paid with other officials' cards |
Prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita is leading the patrimonial investigation. The purchases were made from Adorni's Mercado Libre account (Argentina's equivalent of Amazon) but paid with credit cards belonging to other government officials.
During his sixth visit to Spain since taking office in December 2023, Milei received the Medal of Honor from CEU San Pablo University. The distinction recognized "his relevant role as an economist and educator; his outstanding contribution to international debate on economic freedom policies; and his leadership in reforms aimed at stability and institutional modernization of the Argentine Republic."
When asked if the scandal could affect his image ahead of the 2027 elections, Milei dismissed any impact and reaffirmed his intention to run for re-election: "Yes, I'm going to run. How could I not run when we're delivering the best government in history?"
The President defended his administration's achievements: "The largest fiscal adjustment in human history in record time. Everyone predicted hyperinflation, and we avoided it. Everyone predicted a great depression, and the economy is growing."
📌 Key Change: On Friday, June 26, 2026, Adrián Ravier assumed the role of new presidential spokesperson, replacing Adorni, who remains as Cabinet Chief while the judicial investigation continues.
Sources: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
