President Javier Milei Defends Minister Amid Food Scandal, Calling Her 'Best in History'

President Javier Milei has publicly defended Sandra Pettovello, the Minister of Human Capital, amidst a scandal involving the mishandling of food supplies. The controversy centers on a large quantity of stored food that is nearing its expiration date, which has led to significant media scrutiny and political backlash.

In a recent meeting at Pettovello’s office, Milei expressed his unwavering support for her, describing her as 'the best minister in history.' He accused the government and 'a group of Kirchnerist criminals' of attempting to undermine her efforts and even suggested they wanted to 'kill someone.'

To counter the negative publicity, Milei has ordered a 'backup operation' on social media to bolster Pettovello's image. He emphasized that she is the best minister in her role since the return of democracy, highlighting her dedication and effectiveness.

The Ministry of Human Capital has signed an agreement with the CONIN Foundation to distribute over 465,000 kilograms of powdered milk to vulnerable communities through 64 distribution centers. This operation, involving the Argentine Army and the Ministry of Defense, aims to ensure the timely and efficient distribution of the food before it expires.

Why this matters: The defense of Minister Pettovello by President Milei has significant implications for the government's credibility and accountability. The consequences of this scandal could lead to a loss of public trust and potential changes in the government's leadership.

Despite the scandal, Pettovello's position has been reaffirmed by the government. The controversy has, however, led to the departure of four officials from the Ministry of Human Capital, including Héctor Nicolás Calvente and María Lucía Raskovsky. These changes reflect the government's effort to address the mismanagement issues and restore public trust.

The food distribution operation, which will last two weeks, is set to begin immediately. CONIN Foundation will oversee the process, ensuring that the food reaches the intended recipients and is used effectively. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate the impact of the scandal and demonstrate the ministry's commitment to serving vulnerable populations.

In addition to the food scandal, Pettovello faces accusations of involvement in a corruption scheme involving the Ibero-American States Organization for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI). The civil association Arco Social has alleged that Pettovello and other officials signed contracts to hire non-existent employees, with the aim of embezzling funds.

Pettovello has denied any wrongdoing and has filed a complaint against former Childhood, Adolescence, and Family Secretary Pablo de la Torre, accusing him of orchestrating the scheme. The OEI has acknowledged the existence of contracts with the ministry but stated that they were merely implementing government decisions.

President Milei's staunch defense of Pettovello highlights his commitment to his cabinet members amidst growing political pressure. The government faces these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring transparency and accountability within the Ministry of Human Capital.

Key Takeaways

• President Milei defends Minister Pettovello amidst food supply scandal.
• Pettovello accused of mishandling food, nearing expiration dates.
• Gov't launches social media campaign to bolster Pettovello's image.
• Four officials depart Ministry of Human Capital amidst scandal.
• Pettovello faces additional corruption allegations, denies wrongdoing.