Argentina's Human Capital Minister Dismisses Social Policies Coordinator

Minister of Capital Humano Sandra Pettovello has removed María Gabriela Real, the coordinator of Social Policies, from her post. The dismissal occurred late last week while Pettovello was on an official trip to Spain. The reasons for Real's abrupt departure have not been officially stated, and sources indicate she was unable to even bid a personal farewell to her team.

Real had a significant history in public administration, holding positions in social policy since January 2017. She was initially appointed by the Cambiemos administration as Undersecretary of Integrated Policies within the Ministry of Social Development. She continued in the area under the Frente de Todos government and, following President Javier Milei's restructuring of the ministry, became the coordinator of Social Policies. David Guido de Graaf is reportedly set to replace her, having previously worked in the social sector under Pettovello.

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No official reasons were given for the displacement, but the dismissal was abrupt and unexpected, as the outgoing official could not even say goodbye personally to her work team.

The Ministry of Human Capital, particularly the Secretariat of Childhood and Family (formerly Social Development), has seen numerous changes under Pettovello's leadership. In 2024 alone, several officials departed following the elimination of the "Potenciar Trabajo" program and the controversial decision to halt food distribution to community kitchens. These events, alongside alleged irregularities in contracting through the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), led to the exit of Pablo de la Torre, who previously headed the secretariat.

Real herself had faced scrutiny in April concerning loans granted by Banco Nación to officials and legislators associated with the ruling party. While Pettovello had previously dismissed her Chief of Staff, Leandro Massaccesi, over a similar issue, Real was not removed at that time. The government then distinguished Real's situation, noting her loan was obtained during the Macri administration, unlike Massaccesi's, which generated public "noise." The Ministry of Human Capital is currently engaged in a legal dispute with social movements over its efforts to eliminate the "Potenciar Trabajo" plan, which has not seen its benefit adjusted since Milei took office.

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It is not the same situation, she took out a loan during the [Mauricio] Macri era.