• Gerardo Werthein has resigned as Argentina's Foreign Minister less than a year into his tenure, marking significant cabinet instability.
  • The departure comes amid President Javier Milei's broader cabinet reshuffle following midterm elections.
  • Werthein's exit threatens to disrupt key US relations and economic negotiations he was overseeing.

Argentina's Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein has presented his resignation, according to local media reports, creating a sudden vacancy in one of the government's most crucial diplomatic positions. The move comes less than a year after Werthein took office in October 2024, succeeding Diana Mondino who was ousted following her controversial UN vote supporting the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba.

The resignation signals deepening instability within President Javier Milei's administration as he attempts to consolidate power and refocus his economic reform agenda. Werthein's departure is part of a wave of resignations that includes Foreign Relations Secretary Eduardo Bustamante, reflecting turmoil in the top ranks of Argentina's foreign policy apparatus.

According to people familiar with the matter, Werthein had played a pivotal role in managing Argentina's relationship with the United States, including trade negotiations and securing a critical US$20-billion currency swap line with the US. His exit could temporarily disrupt ongoing economic discussions with Washington at a sensitive moment for Argentina's financial stability.

President Milei's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the resignation or potential replacement. The Foreign Ministry is currently undergoing an extensive audit aimed at identifying and removing staff involved in what administration officials have described as "anti-freedom agendas."

The cabinet reshuffle appears linked to Milei's efforts to reposition his government after recent political challenges. The president is expected to bring in closer allies and influential advisers, with Santiago Caputo among those anticipated to gain greater influence in the realigned administration.

Without a stable foreign minister in place, Argentina's diplomatic continuity faces immediate challenges. The country remains under severe financial pressure, and ongoing cabinet instability could affect investor confidence at a time when the administration is coordinating additional loans through global banks.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timeline of Werthein's appointment. He was appointed in October 2024, not 2023.