Pablo Quirno has assumed leadership of the Foreign Ministry, succeeding Gerardo Werthein. The former finance secretary, now Argentina’s chief diplomat, is confronted with two significant challenges: firstly, to protect Argentina’s ties with the United States and to negotiate exceptional tariff and trade agreements that extend beyond the current discussions; secondly, to vigorously advocate for the so-called “cultural battle” spearheaded by President Javier Milei at international gatherings. Within the La Libertad Avanza administration, officials recognize that, in addition to Quirno’s “ability” to assume the role left unexpectedly vacant by the businessman just days prior to Sunday’s crucial election, it is essential for him to safeguard relations with the United States and Donald Trump.
The alignment between the two nations encompassed a substantial financial rescue package from the US for Argentina, alongside the recent meeting between the presidents on October 14. The Trump administration was indeed involved in the shake-up at the Foreign Ministry, as the White House reportedly approved the transition of one of Economy Ministry Luis ‘Toto’ Caputo’s trusted aides to the top office at the Palacio San Martín, situated in Buenos Aires’ Recoleta neighbourhood. Argentina’s new foreign minister faces the challenge of leveraging the existing rapport with the Republican administration to secure trade agreements, with a particular focus on obtaining preferential tariff access for national products in the US market — a goal that Werthein has pursued since assuming office but has yet to realize. In practice, Quirno is tasked with negotiating tariff reductions in return for enhanced access for US exports, amidst escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
In addition to economic considerations, Quirno’s Foreign Ministry will prioritize the international promotion of the fundamental aspects of Milei’s “cultural battle,” an initiative that commenced immediately upon the president’s assumption of office. The Milei administration should prioritize the promotion of liberty, private property, minimal state intervention, and a robust critique of socialism and abortion. The responsibility for that mission will now be assigned to Quirno and Nahuel Sotelo who reports to the Foreign Ministry and has established a close working relationship with the new minister. Sotelo, a prominent member of Las Fuerzas del Cielo – the libertarian youth organization associated with presidential adviser Santiago Caputo – was one of the early candidates to succeed Werthein. However, he swiftly dismissed this prospect, choosing instead to further advocate for libertarian principles internationally while committing to his current role until at least December 10.
Sotelo secured the fifth position on the La Libertad Avanza ballot for the Third Electoral Section of Buenos Aires Province and has expressed his aspirations to assume a seat in the provincial legislature. Nonetheless, that decision is shrouded in uncertainty due to the continuous Cabinet reshuffles and the increasing sway of adviser Caputo, who is poised to potentially become part of President Milei’s ministerial team. Milei allocated approximately US$7.4 billion to safeguard the dollar in the period leading up to the election.