Promise Kept: Javier Milei Cuts 9 Argentine Government Offices on First Day

In his inaugural act as the President of Argentina, Javier Milei implemented a sweeping transformation of the federal executive branch, slashing the number of cabinet-level ministries from 18 to nine. This restructuring involved amalgamating several ministries into new offices, indicating a substantial reduction in their size and staffing. Notably, Milei elevated three ministries – the General Ministry, the Office of Media and Communications, and the Legal and Technical Office – to cabinet status. An interesting twist emerged as the General Ministry was entrusted to Karina, the president’s sister, necessitating a separate executive order to bypass restrictions on appointing family members to key positions.

During his campaign as a small-government, anti-socialist libertarian, President Milei staunchly pledged to eliminate at least half of the top government ministries. In a widely applauded public presentation, he vividly illustrated his plan by methodically striking out ministries on a federal government flow chart, characterizing many as either superfluous or detrimental.

Milei proudly shared an early morning photo of his revamped cabinet in the presidential offices, featuring his campaign slogan, “¡viva la libertad, carajo!” translating to “long live liberty…..”

The Argentine federal government’s cabinet now comprises nine ministries: the Ministry of the Interior, Foreign Relations, Defense, Economics, Infrastructure, Justice, Security, Health, and the newly established Ministry of Human Capital. Additionally, the General Secretariat, Legal and Technical Secretariat, and Communications and Press Secretariat were elevated to cabinet status, albeit functioning as partial ministries.

The eliminated ministries have been officially absorbed into other offices, potentially resulting in the displacement of ministry leaders and staff. The Ministry of Human Capital, a new addition, absorbed responsibilities from the Ministry of Education, Labor, Employment, Social Security, Culture, Social Development, and Women, Gender, and Diversity.

President Milei’s reduction in the size of government unfolded with surprising speed, catching some political observers off guard. Despite his televised explanations and visual aids illustrating the government’s bloated size, the swiftness of execution raised eyebrows.

Argentina, grappling with its most severe economic crisis in history, faces the aftermath of decades of socialist spending programs and mismanagement. With soaring inflation rates exceeding 140 percent and alarming levels of unemployment, crime, and poverty, Milei contends that reducing government spending is a crucial step towards economic recovery and prosperity.

While some promised eliminations, including the Health Ministry, still exist, Milei’s administration has not clarified whether these ministries will eventually be phased out. The president accuses the Health Ministry of mishandling the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, leading to unnecessary deaths.

Addressing concerns about potential job losses, Manuel Adorni, Milei’s presidential spokesman, reassured that productive state employees would retain their positions. He emphasized opposition to “militant employment,” labeling it a political matter that hampers productivity, salaries, and job functions.

In his inaugural speech attended by 25,000 people, Milei, the world’s first president elected on a libertarian third-party ticket, cautioned citizens to brace for painful austerity measures. Despite acknowledging short-term challenges, he vowed to eradicate corruption and inefficiency at the federal level. Milei criticized a century-old political model that perpetuated poverty and stagnation, affirming that embracing the principles of liberty is the only path to rescue Argentina from its predicament.

{Matzav.com}