Argentinian President Javier Milei has publicly expressed support for Manuel Adorni, the head of the government, who is embroiled in a corruption scandal linked to allegations of illicit enrichment.
Adorni is currently under investigation for extravagant travel and property acquisitions that appear inconsistent with his salary as a public servant. On Wednesday, Milei attended Adorni’s address to lawmakers alongside his entire cabinet, demonstrating solidarity. The president was seen smiling and giving a thumbs-up while directing insults at the opposition.
“Many of you would like to turn this address into a public trial,” Adorni stated during his opening remarks, asserting his innocence and intention to prove it in court.
He further clarified his position, saying, “Regarding whether I will resign or continue as head of the cabinet, I want to make it clear to everyone. I am here, and I am not hiding my face.”
The investigation into Adorni commenced in March following the release of a photo showing his wife traveling to New York on a government plane. Subsequently, a video surfaced depicting the Adorni family traveling via private jet to the upscale resort of Punta del Este in Uruguay.
Argentinian media have reported that after assuming office, Adorni purchased a home in a gated community and an apartment. Additionally, he has made cash-paid trips to Aruba and Rio de Janeiro.
Adorni denies the allegations, claiming he funded all expenses with his own money. However, by the end of last year, his monthly salary was $2,500, and his declared savings did not exceed $42,000.
The investigation unfolds during a challenging period for President Milei, whose approval rating dropped to 35.5% in April, nearly ten percentage points lower than at the beginning of the year, according to a LatAm Pulse survey conducted by AtlasIntel for Bloomberg News.
In the same survey, corruption was identified as the most pressing issue for Argentinians, with just over half of respondents anticipating further revelations in the next six months.
President Javier Milei supports Manuel Adorni amid corruption allegations, as investigations reveal discrepancies in Adorni's financial activities. The situation poses challenges for Milei's administration, already facing declining approval ratings.