Buenos Aires, November 25 (NA) – Following the Sword Presentation ceremony led by Javier Milei in the Casa Rosada's White Salon, a key source from Lieutenant General Carlos Presti's circle confirmed to the Argentine News Agency that he will request a leave of absence from his position as head of the Argentine Army to assume a role in the Executive Branch. Presti will request a temporary leave of absence, a kind of 'furlough,' to take on his duties in the ministry without resigning from the armed forces, NA was told. From the Argentine Army Chief of Staff's circle, this is described as a regulated move where, for a period of time, he is temporarily exempt from his usual duties. "I think it's utter stupidity what is being proposed," a source aligned with the agency stated. However, he must remain locatable and available. After receiving the decoration that formalizes his promotion in the Casa Rosada's White Salon, the future Defense Minister walked through the first floor of the Government Palace to meet with presidential advisor Santiago Caputo in his offices. "He has vast experience and is an expert on the subject, which is why he was chosen." This clarification comes after several military leaders had demanded that he step aside from the force he leads. Following the announcement, former Defense Minister Julio Martínez called for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces, stating that "there are articles and laws that say they cannot assume political positions outside or different from their functions." The swearing-in of the new official has not yet been scheduled, as learned by the Argentine News Agency, and is expected to take place after December 10.
