Overview
- Government records published Thursday in the Official Gazette confirm Decree 251/2026 naming Esteban Mahiques to head the Ministry of Justice’s advisory unit, signed by President Javier Milei and Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques.
- The decree sets the role as ad honorem, with duties starting March 6, and places him in a post that filters and coordinates the ministry’s daily agenda and contacts across its departments.
- El Cronista reports the move tightens control within the ministry by putting the minister’s brother in a direct, high-influence staff role that channels instructions and access.
- La Nación notes Esteban previously worked at the Foreign Ministry and sat on the Argentine Football Association’s disciplinary tribunal, experience now under fresh scrutiny.
- Former IGJ chief Daniel Vitolo said he doubts the ministry will advance AFA-related cases and alleged the minister sought his removal, while press reports also cite past social links between the Mahiques family and AFA figures; no official response was reported.