Argentina's Milei government rocked by corruption allegations as top aide Adorni resigns

Manuel Adorni, a key figure in Argentine President Javier Milei's administration, has resigned as Chief of Staff amid allegations of improper spending and illicit enrichment. Adorni, who was appointed government spokesperson after Milei took office in late 2023 and later became Chief of Staff, shared his resignation letter on X, stating it was the first time he acted against Milei's wishes since December 10, 2023. He expressed a peaceful departure with a clear conscience.

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I am acting against your wish for the first time since December 10, 2023. I am closing this chapter. I leave peacefully and calmly; above all, my conscience is clear.

The resignation comes at a critical time for the Milei administration, which has prioritized fighting corruption and reducing public spending. Adorni faced accusations of illicit enrichment due to spending allegedly inconsistent with his income, including a first-class trip to Aruba during Christmas and a private jet journey to Uruguay. He defended himself by stating his wealth predated his public service and that family trips were privately funded.

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I have committed no crime and I will prove it in court.

However, Adorni's admission in an interview with La Nación newspaper this month that he had accumulated undeclared money for years, and subsequently amended his asset declarations for 2023 and 2024 to include approximately half a million dollars, intensified the pressure. He acknowledged an "unintentional mistake" and stated he would "pay the price." This admission fueled criticism from the opposition and the public.

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I will not execute an innocent person.

Despite President Milei's previous public defense of Adorni, calling him "innocent" and stating he would not "execute an innocent person," the resignation highlights growing pressure on the Milei government due to increasing corruption allegations. The situation reveals that Milei's administration is facing not only an economic crisis but also trust issues within the government. Recent polls show a decline in public approval for Milei, dropping to 39% in May from 53% over a year ago, as purchasing power erodes due to inflation.

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The self-criticism I made stems from a mistake I unintentionally made. I will pay the price.