It is difficult to imagine a more striking scene in the halls of Casa Rosada: the band of the Grenadier Regiment formed in the Patio de las Palmeras, playing “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen” and “Chiquitita” to entertain the general secretary of the Presidency. That was what happened this Monday, and the scandal did not take long to reach the networks.
Karina Milei appeared with makeup and very smiling, positioned in front of the musical band, following the rhythm with her feet before the knowing smile of her companions. The Secretary General of the Presidency turned 53 last Saturday, but the tribute took place at the headquarters of the national Government, with State resources and a historical force as scenery. The use of the regiment created by San Martín himself to liven up a private celebration with Swedish pop hits from the seventies generated immediate indignation in a large part of public opinion.
Karina was accompanied by Milei Martín and Eduardo “Lule” Menem, Diego Santilli and Pilar Ramírez, who arrived especially for the musical tribute. The absences, however, were just as eloquent. While Senator Patricia Bullrich left along the esplanade on Rivadavia Street, presidential advisor Santiago Caputo quickly climbed the stairs to his office. The big absentee was the Chief of Staff Manuel Adornicomplicated by the legal cases against him linked to his trip to Punta del Este and different properties in his name.
Karina Milei did not seem upset by the absences: during the afternoon, bags of designer clothing came and went, carried and brought by officials who wanted to give her a gift. Javier Milei, for his part, had left the Casa Rosada hours before, after meeting with the North American ambassador Peter Lamelas.
For the Granaderos, things did not end there: crossing the fence on Balcarce Street, they continued with the music in the Plaza de Mayo—although returning to the military marches, more in line with the week commemorating the Malvinas War. The contrast between both repertoires summed it all up.
