Diego Santilli: Career and Political Evolution in Argentina
Diego César Santilli is a prominent Argentine accountant and politician who has navigated various levels of government, from local legislative roles in the City of Buenos Aires to high-ranking executive positions in the national government. Currently serving as the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers under President Javier Milei, Santilli has established himself as a versatile figure within Argentina's political landscape.
His career is marked by a steady ascent through the Republican Proposal (PRO) party and his eventual alignment with the La Libertad Avanza coalition. With a professional background in accountancy and marketing, Santilli has blended technical expertise with political strategy to manage some of the most critical administrative functions of the Argentine state.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers (assumed office June 28, 2026).
- Professional Background: Certified Accountant with marketing studies from UC Berkeley.
- Key Past Office: Deputy Chief of Government of Buenos Aires (2015–2021).
- Political Affiliations: Republican Proposal and La Libertad Avanza.
- Education: Degree in accountancy from the University of Buenos Aires.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 6, 1967, in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Diego Santilli comes from a family of Italian origin. He is the son of Hugo Santilli, the former president of Banco Nación and River Plate, and María Luisa Forchieri, a tarotologist.
Santilli's academic foundation is rooted in economics and business. He graduated from the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires at age 23. To further his expertise, he pursued marketing studies at the University of California, Berkeley, providing him with a global perspective on management and communication.
Rise in Buenos Aires City Government
Santilli began his political journey in the City of Buenos Aires, serving as a legislator from 2003 to 2009. During this period, he also managed the Buenos Aires City Bank and served as vice president of the City Legislature. His executive experience expanded significantly between 2009 and 2013 when he served as the Minister for the Environment and Public Areas under Mayor Mauricio Macri.
Following his tenure as a minister, Santilli transitioned to the legislative branch on a national scale, being elected as a National Senator for the City of Buenos Aires in 2013. However, his time in the Senate was cut short when he was tapped for a major executive role in the city's administration.
Deputy Chief of Government (2015–2021)
In 2015, Santilli joined Horacio Rodríguez Larreta as his running mate for the mayoral election. The ticket won a narrow victory in a runoff with 51.64% of the vote. As the Deputy Chief of Government (essentially the deputy mayor), Santilli played a pivotal role in the city's administration. He also concurrently served as the Minister of Justice and Security of the City of Buenos Aires from 2018 to 2021.
The duo sought re-election in 2019, securing a more decisive victory with 55.9% of the vote, ensuring their leadership of the capital city until 2021.
National Legislative and Executive Leadership
After leaving the city government, Santilli shifted his focus to the province of Buenos Aires. In 2021, he was elected as a National Deputy. His political trajectory continued to evolve, leading him to join the La Libertad Avanza coalition. In the 2025 elections, he secured a first-place victory as a National Deputy for the Buenos Aires Province with 41.45% of the vote.
His ascent culminated in his appointment to the national executive branch. He first served as the Minister of the Interior from November 10, 2025, to June 28, 2026, before being appointed by President Javier Milei as the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Summary of Political Career
| Period | Office | Jurisdiction | President/Mayor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003–2009 | Legislator | City of Buenos Aires | N/A |
| 2009–2013 | Minister for Environment | City of Buenos Aires | Mauricio Macri |
| 2013–2015 | National Senator | City of Buenos Aires | N/A |
| 2015–2021 | Deputy Chief of Government | City of Buenos Aires | H. Rodríguez Larreta |
| 2021–2025 | National Deputy | Buenos Aires Province | N/A |
| 2025–2026 | Minister of the Interior | National | Javier Milei |
| 2026–Present | Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers | National | Javier Milei |
Personal Life and Contributions
Beyond politics, Santilli is an author who wrote a children's book in 2008 focused on traffic safety and awareness. He is also the founder of CANI (Food Culture for an Intelligent, Responsible and Safe Nutrition) and the coordinator of Asociación Buenos Aires en RED. He was married to journalist Nancy Pazos, and they have three children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Diego Santilli's current role in the Argentine government?
Diego Santilli currently serves as the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers, having assumed the office on June 28, 2026, under the presidency of Javier Milei.
What is Santilli's professional background?
He is a professional accountant who graduated from the University of Buenos Aires and completed additional marketing studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Which political parties has Diego Santilli been affiliated with?
Santilli has been a member of the Republican Proposal (PRO) and is currently part of the La Libertad Avanza coalition.
What was his most significant role in the City of Buenos Aires?
His most prominent local role was serving as the Deputy Chief of Government (Deputy Mayor) from 2015 to 2021 under Mayor Horacio Rodríguez Larreta.
Has Diego Santilli held any other national ministerial positions?
Yes, immediately prior to becoming Chief of the Cabinet, he served as the Minister of the Interior from November 10, 2025, to June 28, 2026.