Milei highlights embattled Chief of Staff Adorni at heavily guarded Flag Day event amid protests

Argentine President Javier Milei presided over a heavily secured Flag Day ceremony in Rosario on June 20, 2026, an event where official broadcasts conspicuously focused on Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni. Adorni is currently at the center of a judicial and political scandal concerning allegations of illicit enrichment.

The ceremony, held annually in Rosario to commemorate the creation of the Argentine flag by Manuel Belgrano, saw Milei refer to Belgrano as "the first Argentine liberal economic intellectual." Milei arrived amidst a significant security operation, with multiple control points and barriers keeping the press and public at a considerable distance from the official stages.

Due to the distance imposed on television cameras, the only visual coverage of the event came from the official presidential broadcast. This feed repeatedly showed Adorni seated alongside the President's sister and Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, and other government members. The broadcast notably omitted any footage of protests against Milei organized by leftist political forces and unions approximately 1,500 meters away, which were met by a strong Gendarmerie presence.

Adorni's scandal erupted in March following revelations about his wife's travel with him on an official U.S. delegation. Subsequent press reports and judicial complaints detailed luxury family trips and property purchases and renovations, placing Adorni's assets under scrutiny. Despite the growing controversy, which has reportedly impacted the government's image and caused internal friction, Milei has consistently defended Adorni.

On June 19, amidst opposition efforts to summon Adorni to Congress for a potential no-confidence vote, Milei relieved Adorni of his presidential spokesperson duties, a role he held concurrently with his Chief of Staff position. The broadcast did not show Vice President Victoria Villarruel, who is reportedly estranged from Milei.

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