President Milei Defends Central Bank Reform and Former Official Amid Multiple Controversies

President Javier Milei announced a project to reform the organic charter of the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA), describing the changes as the most important in 91 years. During a national broadcast and a subsequent interview with Telefe, Milei stated that the reform aims to end the practice of the Central Bank financing the Treasury and to preserve the value of the currency. He accused former President Cristina Kirchner of stealing 10 billion dollars from the Central Bank in 2010 through the Bicentennial Fund. As part of his austerity measures, Milei announced a shutdown where the President, Vice President, and members of Congress will not receive salaries if the political class fails to meet its obligations.

Addressing financial stability, Milei rejected claims that the United States saved the Argentine economy. He argued that the U.S. contribution of 2.5 billion dollars represented less than 5 percent of the 70 billion dollars needed to face speculative attacks. On the topic of the Islas Malvinas, Milei distinguished between the emotional gestures of football players and the responsibilities of politicians. He claimed his administration has achieved the greatest diplomatic advances in history by securing a UN exhortation for the United Kingdom to negotiate.

Milei also defended his former Chief of Cabinet, Manuel Adorni, who resigned amid a judicial investigation into illicit enrichment. Despite reports that Adorni admitted to falsifying asset declarations and evading taxes, Milei stated that he believes Adorni is honest and invoked the presumption of innocence. He attributed the intensity of the media coverage to the bruised egos of journalists after Adorni previously dismissed them during a press conference.

Outlets with a center right lean focused on the specific details of the Central Bank reform and Milei's accusations against previous administrations. In contrast, a center left outlet framed the event as an attempt by the President to manage a narrative and justify his failures regarding inflation targets and the conduct of his officials.