The appearance of the Chief of Staff in the libertarian bunker, after the overwhelming victory of La Libertad Avanza with more than 40% of the votes, buried the rumors about his departure due to friction with advisor Santiago Caputo. On a night of official euphoria, Guillermo Francos stood smiling alongside Javier and Karina Milei, sending an unequivocal political message: he is still part of the circle of power. The postcard contrasted with the versions that placed him outside the Government, fueled by growing tensions with Caputo, seen by some as his possible successor.
Near La Rosada they interpret his presence as a sign of presidential ratification. Francos maintains a key role as a bridge with governors and Congress, especially in a scenario where the ruling party will expand its legislative muscle. He made it clear days ago, denying any imminent displacement: “The President never made a comment to me about this. I remain in my position and continue working as I do every day.” He also rejected assuming another position within the State: “I started out as Minister of the Interior and the President asked me to be Chief of Staff. What can I ask of him? What could it be? What could drive me crazy? I have fulfilled a role that I believe the President values. And if he believes that this has to generate some change, he will do so. But I don’t think he is in a position to go anywhere else within the State.”
The electoral result, which leaves the PJ weakened and consolidates the ruling party in Congress, works as an internal balm. Even so, Milei decided to freeze changes in the Cabinet until December, when the resignations forced by incompatibilities are formalized: Patricia Bullrich (Security) will move to the Senate; Luis Petri (Defense) will be a deputy; and Manuel Adorni (spokesperson) will also enter Congress. The vacancies will open a new dispute for spaces between the libertarian tribes, with Karina Milei and the Menem on the rise, and Caputo expectant.
In the post-electoral vertigo, Francos emerges strengthened as the dialogue-oriented face of the Government. Celebrating the numbers, he launched: “Calculate what we can do with more than ninety national deputies and twenty senators.” Milei, for his part, confirmed the power of his hard core: “The iron triangle remains,” he said, referring to his sister, Caputo and himself. With November dedicated to negotiating with governors before the end-of-year changes, Franco—at least for now—retains his chair and his centrality.
