Overview
- Presti is set to become the first career military officer to lead Argentina’s Defense Ministry since the return of democracy, leaving his post as Army chief to take the role.
- There is a pending legal question over whether Presti must move to retirement status under Law 19.101 before assuming the civilian ministry.
- The incoming Defense chief inherits urgent issues including military pay, the strained IOSFA health system finances, and stalled defense-industry matters such as FAdeA’s Pampa contracts and C-130 support.
- Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri exit the cabinet ahead of taking their congressional seats on December 10, while the government highlights Monteoliva’s role in shaping the hardline anti-crime doctrine.
- Reactions are split as government allies praise the choices and opposition figures, including former minister Oscar Aguad, call Presti’s designation audacious and raise civilian-control concerns, while Karina Milei organizes a Buenos Aires Province rally to bolster the ruling party’s footing.