Milei's team draws up plans for post-election Cabinet reshuffle

The October 26 midterm elections are expected to mark a turning point for Argentina’s President Javier Milei, who is already preparing changes – some forced, others strategic – to breathe new life into his administration.

Reporting indicates that the President believes his team needs a refresh and is considering several candidates to replace key members of his Cabinet.

One confirmed departure is that of Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who leads La Libertad Avanza’s ticket for a Senate seat representing Buenos Aires City. If elected, she will take up her legislative duties on December 10.

The leading contender to succeed her is Security Secretary Alejandra Monteoliva, one of Bullrich’s closest allies. The minister agreed she would place a trusted figure at the head of the portfolio before committing to the electoral campaign.

A similar scenario looms at the Defence Ministry, currently headed by Luis Petri, who is standing as a La Libertad Avanza candidate for the Chamber of Deputies in Mendoza. His replacement remains an open question. The libertarian party lacks a deep bench of candidates for that portfolio.

The Justice Ministry is also likely to see change. Mariano Cúneo Libarona’s time in office was always expected to be temporary and his position may be filled once the elections are over. Justice Secretary Sebastián Amerio, a close ally of presidential adviser Santiago Caputo, has emerged as a potential successor. In recent weeks, Amerio has raised his public profile, granting his first interviews to radio and television.

Amerio’s inner circle has denied any such plans. Guillermo Montenegro, mayor of General Pueyrredón and a former Justice Ministry official, is also under consideration.

The administration will also lose Presidential Spokesperson Manuel Adorni, who will take his seat in the Buenos Aires City Legislature. Insiders, however, expect him to return to the Executive branch before long.

In his absence, Communications & Media Secretary Javier Lanari will take over operations from the government's media office located on the ground floor of Casa Rosada. Known for his strong social media presence – he is among the officials most frequently reposted by Milei – Lanari will focus on coordinating teams rather than hosting the government’s regular press briefings.

Macri’s influence and Caputo’s uncertain future

Within the corridors of Balcarce 50, speculation persists that Mauricio Macri’s PRO party may secure minor government posts, including the heads of secretariats or directorates.

The former president and Milei are back on speaking terms and have resumed their regular dinners at the Olivos presidential residence, where Macri is said to offer his characteristically sharp views on ministries he deems to be underperforming.

Despite that rapport, a senior source close to Milei’s office told Noticias Argentinas there are no plans for PRO figures to take up prominent Cabinet roles.

With less than two weeks to go before the elections, few inside the government deny there is fatigue within Milei’s inner circle. Some advisers are openly calling for a deeper overhaul, beyond a mere rotation of names, to relaunch the administration into a second phase.

The biggest question mark concerns Santiago Caputo, Milei’s key strategist, who was recently urged by Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos to assume a formal role in government.

“The President will have to assess and decide what role each person plays. There are members of the team who are not in the Cabinet, have no management responsibility, yet are making decisions,” Francos said in a recent interview.

Although those close to Santiago Caputo decline to comment on whether he might formalise his position, sources within the Casa Rosada insist he has been preparing for such a move for over a year, receiving private coaching ahead of a potential appointment.