Argentina Senate Opposition Builds Majority to Censure Chief of Staff Adorni

Argentina's Senate is on the verge of a significant political showdown as the opposition constructs a majority potentially capable of removing Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni. Adorni is currently under investigation for illicit enrichment and is a key figure supported by President Javier Milei and his sister, Secretary General of the Presidency Karina Milei.

The "dialoguist" opposition, a bloc that includes the Peronists, the Radical Civic Union (UCR), and several provincial parties, is reportedly close to supporting a motion of censure against Adorni this week. With 28 votes from the Peronist bloc, approximately 9 from the UCR, two from Pro, and at least four from provincial parties, the opposition anticipates having around 43 votes. This figure is close to the two-thirds majority needed in the upper house.

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They are pressuring the provinces not to vote.

Aware of these developments, the Executive Branch has begun exerting pressure on provincial governors. Senators from the "dialoguist" opposition have indicated that the government is urging provinces not to vote in favor of the censure motion. This pressure tactic has a precedent, as seen in a recent session where a UCR senator was the sole opposition member not to vote against a candidate for judge vetoed by the Milei administration.

Within the UCR, there is growing indignation over Adorni's explanations for his rapid wealth increase. This sentiment extends to the Casa Rosada, which appears determined to retain Adorni in his post. While a final decision from the UCR bloc is still being debated, sources within the party suggest that the numbers for a censure motion are likely to be met, with Senate block leader Eduardo Vischi having already signaled to the ruling party that the UCR might not support Adorni.

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I believe the numbers for the censure are there.