# Argentine government administrative leadership changes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-government-administrative-leadership-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-30T21:23:00.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

Argentina has experienced several high level resignations within its ministries during October 2026.

In early October, Claudia Testa resigned as the Undersecretary of Labor Relations within the Ministry of Human Capital. Her departure occurred during an administrative restructuring led by Minister Sandra Pettovello. Mariano Sartoris, a lawyer and confidant of Pettovello, was named as her successor.

Later in the month, César Oscar Lencina resigned as the Undersecretary of Science and Technology. Lencina, a former Air Force commander who had served for approximately one month, submitted his resignation effective October 29. In a formal letter addressed to Secretary Adriana Baravalle and Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli, Lencina cited a lack of institutional support and communication difficulties. He also alleged “destrato y desconsideración” (mistreatment and lack of consideration) toward staff by Baravalle. This departure followed the replacement of José Luis Acevedo in late September, contributing to reported instability within the Secretariat of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

On October 30, the government appointed economist and researcher Ricardo Fernando Crespo as the new Undersecretary of Science and Technology to replace Lencina. Crespo, a CONICET researcher with doctorates from the University of Amsterdam and the National University of Cuyo, was named in a decree signed by President Javier Milei and Chief of Staff Diego Santilli. Crespo previously served as the Vice Rector of Research and Academic Affairs at Universidad Austral.

## Claims

- César Oscar Lencina resigned as Undersecretary of Science and Technology. (reported by 2 sources)
- Lencina cited a lack of efficient communication and institutional support as reasons for leaving. (reported by 2 sources)
- Lencina alleged situations of mistreatment and lack of consideration toward staff. (reported by 2 sources)
- The resignation letter was addressed to Adriana Baravalle and Diego Santilli. (reported by 2 sources)
- Lencina cited a lack of efficient communication and institutional support as reasons for his departure. (reported by 2 sources)
- The resignation was directed to Secretary Adriana Baravalle and Chief of Staff Diego Santilli. (reported by 2 sources)
- The resignation is effective from October 29. (reported by 1 source)
- Lencina assumed the position on September 22. (reported by 1 source)
- Lencina replaced José Luis Acevedo in the role. (reported by 1 source)
- A replacement for Lencina will be defined shortly. (reported by 1 source)
- Lencina assumed his position on September 22. (reported by 1 source)
- The administration intends to define a replacement for Lencina in the near future. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-30: Argentina appoints Ricardo Crespo as Science Undersecretary

Argentina has named Ricardo Crespo as the new Undersecretary of Science and Technology following the resignation of César Lencina, who cited institutional difficulties and staff mistreatment.

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/csar-oscar-lencina-resigns-as-argentina-science-undersecretary

### 2026-10-02: Claudia Testa resigns as Argentina's Undersecretary of Labor Relations

Claudia Testa has resigned as Argentina's Undersecretary of Labor Relations. She will be replaced by Mariano Sartoris as part of an administrative restructuring within the Ministry of Human Capital.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ministry-of-human-capital-replaces-labor-undersecretary

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Cite as: Argentine government administrative leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-government-administrative-leadership-changes