The Argentine government has confirmed the replacement of the Ministers of Security and Defense. The announcement, made simultaneously by the Office of the President and the outgoing officials, marks a significant institutional shift and consolidates the political line that the Milei administration calls “continuity of the course.”
Alejandra Monteoliva, until now Secretary of National Security, will be the new Minister of Security. This move is also interpreted as a signal of internal cohesion amid intensifying political tensions leading into the new legislative period. With these decisions, Milei retains two officials considered to be of utmost trust: Monteoliva, who emerged from the technical structures of the ruling party, and Presti, a figure with high recognition within the Army.
In a text full of praise, he stated that Monteoliva “made an enormous difference” in the year of joint management and asserted that her appointment guarantees that “the only doctrine that ordered Argentina —a firm hand, clear rules, and the irrenounceable principle that whoever does it, pays for it— will remain seamless.”
In a parallel significant step, the government appointed Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Presti, Chief of the General Staff of the Army, as the new Minister of Defense. The outgoing minister defined her as a “fundamental piece in the frontal fight against narco-terrorism and criminal organizations,” highlighting her technical ability and her role in the internal reordering of the federal forces.
Bullrich, who will move to the Senate for La Libertad Avanza, dedicated a direct message to her successor, emphasizing “results, courage, and honesty” as defining traits of her performance.
Buenos Aires, November 22, 2025 – Total News Agency-TNA – The national government confirmed this Saturday the replacements who will take over the Ministries of Security and Defense starting next December 10, the date on which Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri will leave their posts to assume their legislative seats.
In a politically charged message, the administration warned that the leadership “must continue this path,” noting that the consolidation of a transparent relationship between civilian and military power is a strategic axis for Milei's project.
Luis Petri, who will be a national deputy, also said goodbye to his successor with words of recognition. Both will assume their positions in a context of strong pressure on security and defense policies, an area where the government is betting on consolidating its narrative of order, discipline, and direct response to criminal threats and regional challenges.
Petri and Presti worked closely during the year of the current mandate, which, according to the outgoing minister, allowed for a fluid articulation between Defense and the operational forces.
Both changes will be formalized on December 10, simultaneously with the parliamentary renewal and the general reshuffling of the cabinet.
With a career closely linked to the operational design of the current administration, Monteoliva was presented as a figure of absolute trust to sustain the doctrine promoted by Bullrich from the beginning of the government.
This is an unprecedented decision since 1983: for the first time since the return of democracy, an active-duty military officer who has reached the highest rank of his force will assume the political leadership of the ministry.
The Office of the President described this fact as “historic” and stated that it symbolizes “the end of the demonization” of the Armed Forces.
In Balcarce 50, they believe that the transition is taking place in an orderly manner and that the new appointments will allow the security and defense agenda to continue without interruptions or alterations in its strategic orientation.
