The Argentine government has appointed a new Minister of Defense: General Carlos Presti, the current Chief of the Army General Staff. This is the first time a military officer has held the position since the return to democracy in 1983. The administration stated that this decision ends the "demonization" of officers and inaugurates a new tradition of civilian leadership over the armed forces. However, the appointment has been met with sharp criticism from human rights organizations. They point out that the new minister's father, Roque Carlos Presti, commanded the 7th Mechanized Infantry Regiment in La Plata during the military dictatorship and is accused of crimes against humanity. Organizations like HIJOS and Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo have called the appointment a "provocation" and an "affront," especially in light of the disappearance of Clara Anahí Mariani, whose mother was killed in a raid in which Presti's father is alleged to have participated. They also highlight Presti's ties to the United States and warn that his appointment could negatively impact ongoing trials related to the junta's crimes. The Ecumenical Movement for Human Rights (MEDH) described the move as a "grave setback" and part of an alarming pattern in the Milei government to "whitewash" history and militarize politics.
