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Argentina's Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni Resigns Amid Media Storm
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท Argentina /Elections & Politics

Argentina's Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni Resigns Amid Media Storm

From La Naciรณn · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Argentine Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni resigned, citing intense media attacks and a desire to protect his family.
  • Adorni's resignation follows revelations about his wife's travel on the presidential plane and an undeclared property.
  • The official expressed gratitude to President Javier Milei for accepting his resignation and stated his intention to close this chapter.

Manuel Adorni, Chief of Staff to Argentine President Javier Milei, announced his resignation on Saturday, succumbing to what he described as "endless media attacks" that have taken a toll on him and his family. Adorni revealed his decision via his X account, expressing gratitude to Milei for understanding his reasons and accepting his resignation this time.

You know everything I have suffered during all this time. The endless media attacks I have endured have led me to ask you to accompany me this time, to close this cycle in order to protect myself and my family.

โ€” Manuel AdorniManuel Adorni's statement on X announcing his resignation.

His departure comes after days of intense speculation, amplified by President Milei's strong statements from Spain regarding an investigation into Adorni for illicit enrichment. The controversy surrounding Adorni intensified on March 8 when it was revealed his wife, Bettina Angeletti, had traveled to the United States on the presidential plane. Further reports emerged of a February vacation to Punta del Este on a private jet and the couple's ownership of an undeclared property.

They even said that my permanence in the position was because I had you [the President] and the Secretary General of the Presidency [Karina Milei] extorting you.

โ€” Manuel AdorniAdorni's criticism of media accusations in his resignation letter.

In his resignation letter, Adorni decried being labeled a "delinquent and corrupt" without any evidence of wrongdoing. He also addressed accusations that his continued tenure was due to blackmailing the President and the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei. "The harassment has a limit, and I have discovered mine," he confessed, lamenting the "media carnage" that has attempted to ruin his honorability. Adorni stated his desire to protect his loved ones from further media scrutiny, emphasizing his role as a "simple citizen" who wanted to collaborate with a project he believes is elevating Argentina.

The harassment has a limit. And I have discovered mine. I regret that the harassment, the lies, and the media's constant attempt to ruin my honorability have wanted to do us so much harm, but I cannot continue exposing a large part of the people I love to this media carnage.

โ€” Manuel AdorniAdorni's explanation for his resignation, citing media pressure.

Prior to Adorni's exit, speculation about his replacement included Interior Minister Diego Santilli, Chancellor Pablo Quirno, and Capital Human Minister Sandra Pettovello, with Santilli reportedly being the leading candidate. Adorni's resignation marks a significant moment, concluding a chapter marked by revelations about his personal finances and travel.

I am a simple citizen who one day wanted to collaborate with a project that is putting Argentina at the top of the world.

โ€” Manuel AdorniAdorni's justification for his initial involvement in government.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.