President Javier Milei has appointed Diego Santilli, the recently elected deputy for Buenos Aires Province, as Argentina’s new Interior Minister and convened a Cabinet meeting for Monday at 9.30 a.m. in Casa Rosada.
Santilli – who led La Libertad Avanza’s list in the province and was elected just a week ago – will be in charge of “leading negotiations with governors and lawmakers,” said the President in a statement on X.
The appointment was confirmed on Sunday afternoon through a message on social media: “WE HAVE AN INTERIOR MINISTER: Welcome, ‘Colo Santilli.’ Diego will lead talks with governors and legislators to coordinate with the National Congress on the necessary agreements for the reforms ahead. VLLC!”
Santilli replaces Lisandro Catalán, who resigned a few days ago, following in the footsteps of his political boss, former Cabinet chief Guillermo Francos.
He thanked Milei for the “trust” shown in him. “I take it on with great responsibility and deep conviction: Argentina needs to move forward with the structural reforms that will allow the country to grow, create jobs, and attract investment.”
He added that he would take on the role “giving everything, body and soul, on the pitch.”
Among the first official reactions was Economy Minister Luis Caputo, who posted on X: “Congratulations and welcome @diegosantilli!!”
Santilli, a former deputy mayor of Buenos Aires City and senior PRO figure, stunned analysts by leading La Libertad Avanza’s list in Buenos Aires Province, a traditional Peronist stronghold, to victory.
Critics trained their ire on the Milei administration following the news, accusing the government of putting up “testimonial candidates” for public office who had no intention of taking up their legislative seats.
Santilli’s inclusion in the Cabinet mirrors an arrangement made with Milei’s Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni. Although elected to a seat, he will forgo it to serve as Cabinet chief.
Milei’s decision to appoint Santilli would seem to pour cold water on the idea that the president’s top advisor, Santiago Caputo, would be given a Cabinet post. Local press reports had said that Caputo would be put in charge of the Interior Ministry and given a brief that oversees transport and public works.
– TIMES/NA/PERFIL
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