Milei summons cabinet for Flag Day photo amid political crisis

President Javier Milei has summoned his entire cabinet to Rosario for a photo opportunity on Flag Day, a move intended to project an image of unity amidst a brewing political crisis surrounding his chief of staff.

The invitation comes as the fate of Chief of Staff Manuel Adorni hangs in the balance. Opposition parties are seeking to question him in Congress and potentially pass a motion of no confidence to remove him from office. The government is working to persuade allied parties and governors to prevent their senators from supporting the interpellation and censure motion, which the Kirchnerist faction aims to pass in the Senate this weekend.

If Adorni weathers the parliamentary storm, the ruling party could frame the Rosario gathering as a "relaunch." However, revelations about Adorni's undeclared wealth have already damaged the administration and Milei's image. The event could also mark the end of Milei's public reclusion; he has not made public appearances or announcements since Tuesday, June 9, when he met with a delegation for the Maccabiah Games in Israel. This was just before Adorni admitted in an interview to saving half a million dollars in Bitcoin and failing to declare it to tax authorities, an issue now under judicial investigation.

Despite the political turmoil, the government has had reasons to celebrate, including a significant drop in the country risk and inflation rates. In the past, such developments would have prompted public appearances or interviews from the president. However, officials close to Milei stated that he has no public agenda and is working from Olivos. His recent public activity has been confined to social media, where he has shared posts about soccer star Lionel Messi, the Argentine national team, the trip of the President of the Chamber of Deputies to Israel, and criticism of the press by a pro-government philosopher. Milei also previewed upcoming activities, including a talk at the Faro Foundation next Tuesday.