Argentina’s Chief of staff, Manuel Adorni, is spearheading a concentrated effort to advance President Javier Milei’s economic agenda, prioritizing contentious labor reforms currently under parliamentary negotiation. As the Milei administration faces ongoing economic headwinds and political opposition – including 89.8% annual inflation as of December 2023 [[1]] – Adorni is together implementing austerity measures within his own office, announcing a planned 20% reduction in staff and restructuring. This dual approach signals a commitment to both legislative action and internal efficiency as the government enters a critical phase of its first year.
Argentina’s Chief of Staff, Manuel Adorni, is prioritizing parliamentary negotiations for labor reform as his administration enters a crucial phase, while simultaneously planning a significant downsizing of his office.
Adorni reconvened his political advisory team Monday to focus on the labor reform, a process officials anticipate will take several weeks. The move comes as President Javier Milei’s administration seeks to implement key economic changes amid ongoing political and economic challenges.
Alongside the legislative push, Adorni is tasked with reducing the size of his administrative area throughout February. Sources within the government confirmed plans to cut both the structure and personnel by 20%.
This marks the second meeting of the political advisory team this year, fitting into Adorni’s broader strategy of bilateral meetings with cabinet ministers. The effort aims to establish a new internal dynamic within the government, bolstered by the strong support of President Milei and his sister, Karina Milei.
“Manuel is Karina,” sources at Balcarce 50, the presidential offices, said, describing the Chief of Staff’s close relationship with the President’s sister. That backing is considered essential within the libertarian movement.
Adorni is concentrating on three key areas as the government moves into its second phase: political negotiation, ministerial management, and tracking the progress of the labor reform. The streamlining of his office and focus on these priorities underscores a shift towards greater efficiency and control.
Officials say Adorni’s position is strengthened by President Milei’s trust, leading to more stable agreements with ministers than were possible under his predecessor, Guillermo Francos. “Since November 2023, when he was offered the position of spokesperson, Manuel has never asked for anything,” a source in the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, said, highlighting the foundation of the trust placed in him.
The relationship between Adorni and the Milei siblings predates the President’s assumption of power, and was further demonstrated when both President Milei and Karina Milei traveled to Davos, Switzerland, leaving Adorni effectively in charge of the administration. This occurred despite reservations from Vice President Victoria Villarruel.
Adorni will also participate in “Argentina Week” in New York, which will include an address by the President to international banks and investment funds, organized by Argentine Ambassador to the United States, Alex Oxenford.
Since assuming the Chief of Staff role in November, Adorni has held regular meetings with ministers, including Economy Minister Luis “Toto” Caputo and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno before their trip to Davos. He has also met with Interior Minister Diego Santilli, Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, and Health Minister Mario Lugones, as well as presidential advisor Santiago Caputo.
These bilateral meetings are described as “follow-up sessions” to review progress and define “the President’s priorities” for each ministry, looking ahead. “Now there is more follow-up on what is being done and what is needed,” officials within the ministries acknowledged.
While no direct criticisms of Francos were offered, there is a shared view that his predecessor was “more focused on political maneuvering and dialogue than on the day-to-day management.” There is also a consensus that Adorni’s appointment has fostered better communication between ministries, a perceived shortcoming of the previous administration.
The Casa Rosada is keeping details of pending legislation confidential to avoid disrupting current parliamentary negotiations, but confirms that the executive branch intends to submit more than 30 bills to Congress this year. “We must move forward with the reforms and continue to advance with the priorities in each ministry over the next two years,” a source said. The labor reform currently being debated in Congress is a central focus for many of these ministries.
The planned restructuring of the Chief of Staff’s office, which currently employs over 2,400 people, is expected to begin in February alongside the legislative process. The move signals a commitment to streamlining government operations and reducing costs.
