Overview
- Argentina’s presidency confirmed Alejandra Monteoliva will succeed Patricia Bullrich at Security and Teniente General Carlos Alberto Presti will replace Luis Petri at Defense when both outgoing ministers take their congressional seats on December 10.
- Presti, currently the Army chief, will be the first senior military officer to head the Defense Ministry since the country’s return to democracy in 1983.
- The government cast the moves as preserving its security and defense course, crediting Monteoliva’s role in the ‘Doctrina Bullrich’ and calling for firm, professional and depoliticized forces.
- Opposition figures, including former defense minister Agustín Rossi, condemned Presti’s appointment, and rights groups highlighted historical accusations against his late father linked to dictatorship-era crimes.
- The appointments come as officials court governors and lawmakers to assemble majorities for the 2026 Budget and a package of tax, labor and education reforms.