Patricia Bullrich resigns as security minister to take up Senate seat

National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announced her resignation as Argentina’s Security Minister in a social media post on Sunday night, sharing the formal letter she sent to President Javier Milei online.

Bullrich, 69, has served in the post since President Milei took office in December 2023. 

After competing against Milei in the presidential election in October of the same year, she later backed the La Libertad Avanza leader in the run-off and went on to take up a post in his government.

Upon his inauguration, Milei appointed Bullrich to the security minister post, a position she had previously serviced in former president Mauricio Macri’s 2015-2019 government.

“To the President of the Nation, Javier Milei, I hereby tender my resignation as Security Minister. I am deeply grateful, Mr President, for your trust and support in upholding and implementing the security and order doctrine that prevails in the country today,” wrote Bullrich in her resignation letter.

In the document, which takes effect on December 1, 2025, Bullrich stated: “I have the honour of addressing you to present my resignation as Security Minister, effective from December 1, 2025.”

Bullrich said she had received “the clear mandate” to “look after Argentines, look after those who protect us, confront crime decisively and restore order in the streets.”

She thanked the President “for his confidence” and “for the support of the entire team” that worked alongside her.

Bullrich confirmed that she will take office as a national senator on December 10, a post she won in this year’s October midterm elections on Milei’s La Libertad Avanza ticket. 

The departing official said she will continue to defend “the reforms the country needs” in the Senate, as well as the values of “strong institutions, law, order and a country where decent Argentines can live and prosper in freedom.”

She wished “every success” to the incoming minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, whom she described as someone “capable of continuing the doctrine that has restored order in the country.”

Monteoliva has the “ability, experience and commitment” to advancing the government’s security policy, Bullrich said.

The veteran politician, who is seen as Monteoliva’s mentor, is expected to retain control and exert influence over the National Security Ministry.

– TIMES/NA