President Javier Milei appointed Diego Santilli as the new interior minister on November 2, 2025, replacing Lisandro Catalán. Santilli, a PRO leader and elected deputy from Buenos Aires who will not take his seat, will negotiate with governors and legislators to advance structural reforms. The announcement drew celebrations from the government and allies, praising his experience in dialogue and management.
Javier Milei announced Diego Santilli's appointment via X on Sunday afternoon: “WE HAVE AN INTERIOR MINISTER: Welcome Colo Santilli. Diego will lead conversations with governors and legislators to articulate with the National Congress each of the necessary consensuses for the reforms ahead for the future”. Santilli, former deputy head of the Buenos Aires government, met with Milei that evening at the Quinta de Olivos. Upon leaving, he told LN+: “The task is to add up. Add up to achieve important reform goals. The President has committed and is fulfilling. I have a huge job: budget, labor modernization, tax cuts, Penal Code”.
The appointment strengthens the alliance between La Libertad Avanza and PRO amid Cabinet changes following the legislative elections. Santilli, who headed the officialist list in Buenos Aires, will not assume his deputy seat, similar to Manuel Adorni, appointed chief of staff. This revives debate over testimonial candidacies.
Political figures celebrated the decision. Mauricio Macri posted on X: “It is a very positive incorporation for the Government. As a PRO leader with great experience, I trust that... he will be able to articulate with the governors the implementation of the reforms we need”. Patricia Bullrich added: “More and more of us are pushing this change with strength and conviction. Many successes in this new challenge, @diegosantilli. I know you will give it your all as always”. PRO issued a statement: “His incorporation is great news for the country and an opportunity to strengthen management and dialogue with the provinces”.
Other greetings came from Luis Caputo (“Congratulations and welcome @diegosantilli!!”), Martín Menem (“His management experience and role in the Chamber... will be key to strengthening federalism”) and Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres (“Congratulations @diegosantilli!!! I wish you success... we will support you”). Governors aligned with the government valued Santilli's dialogic profile to advance reforms with federal consensus. Adorni called a Cabinet meeting for Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the Casa Rosada, prioritizing reforms toward prosperity.
