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4mo ago

Milei Appoints Active-Duty Army Chief Carlos Presti as Defense Minister

The move breaks a four-decade practice of civilian leadership at the ministry.

Tras la polémica por el nombramiento de un militar en funciones, el ministro defendió el criterio del Ejecutivo y confirmó que continuará como asesor presidencial en materia de Defensa.
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Luis Petri presentó 2 helicópteros para la IV Brigada Aérea de Mendoza.

Overview

  • The government confirmed Presti’s designation, prompting criticism across parties as the first active-duty officer to lead Defense since the return of democracy.
  • Outgoing minister Luis Petri says he will remain in office until December 10, then take his seat in the Chamber of Deputies and serve as a special defense adviser to the president.
  • Reports indicate Presti has not retired from active service, a choice that could compel seniority-based retirements and trigger a wider reshuffle across the three services.
  • Unconfirmed names reported for potential changes include Brig. Gen. Sebastián Santiago Ibáñez to head the Army and Brig. Gen. Oscar Santiago Zarich to lead the Joint Command.
  • The Defense Ministry expects the first six F-16s from Denmark to arrive at Río Cuarto on December 5, a milestone Petri highlighted in Mendoza as he presented two Bell 407 GXi search-and-rescue helicopters.