Argentina's new chief of staff Diego Santilli drives Milei's 2027 re‑election plan

Diego Santilli was appointed chief of staff (jefe de Gabinete) after the resignation of Manuel Adorni, becoming the central figure in President Javier Milei’s administration. In his first statements he pledged absolute alignment with Milei’s agenda and declared that the “great objective” of the government is to secure Milei’s re‑election in 2027. Santilli said the president must be re‑elected “so Argentina does not go back”, and outlined his priority to build parliamentary majorities that will pass the reform package the executive has launched.

A key part of his mandate is the overhaul of the electoral system: he proposes eliminating the primary elections (PASO) and studying collective‑list mechanisms to lower the cost of voting. Santilli emphasized dialogue with governors and legislators, warning that talks will only count if they enable the government’s reforms. He criticized Buenos Aires governor Axel Kicillof for “excessive tax pressure” and positioned himself as a “manager” rather than a partisan figure, saying “I am part of the project led by President Milei”.

Santilli also hinted at a possible run for the governorship of Buenos Aires, but stressed any personal ambition would stay subordinate to the collective project. Throughout his remarks he highlighted the need to extend macro‑economic improvements – slower inflation, lower interest rates and new investment incentives – to ordinary citizens and small retailers. The appointment has been framed as an attempt to bring experience and negotiation skill back into a government that originally promised a “new politics”.