It starts this Wednesday a new phase of government With a renewed Congress and reforms in the pipeline, at the end of exactly half of his presidential term, the administration of Javier Milei presented the new seals of all ministries. Of the Pink house They defined them as emblems intended to reinforce “the core values” of each area: Unity, modernization, sovereignty, protection, justice, work. But the aesthetics refers to the institutional iconography of the United States rather than the Argentine tradition. The group registers in a symbolic twist that Milei has been pushing since her arrival at Casa Rosada, with imagery closer to the “federal seal.” American than to the local state repertoire.
Within this framework, the Chief of Staff – led by Manuel Adorni– issued a stamp that was supposed to show the national coat of arms, but The design does not correspond to the official sign: Reproduces elements of the coat of arms of the Province of Buenos Aires. The most striking detail is the elongated bouquet of laurel stretching behind the sun, a Buenos Aires feature alien to the national symbol.
The national shield is one of the most regulated emblems and its design is regulated. The appearance of a variant that replicates features of the Buenos Aires coat of arms on an official seal of the executive branch revealed an error in the presentation of the new government image.
Authoritarians don’t like that
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a mainstay of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe that they are the owners of the truth.
Furthermore, the discussion does not take place in a vacuum. The aesthetic chosen for the seals – with totem animals, wings, golden balls and a circular scheme intended to convey power, surveillance and authority – has been interpreted by various analysts as an attempt at symbolic alignment with Washington’s own state communication models. In this context, the error in the shield not only strains the relationship with local iconography, but also reveals the contradiction between the search for institutional prestige, national sovereignty and the negligence in the use of the nation’s most fundamental and sensitive symbol.
What do the new ministerial emblems mean?
The government accompanied each new logo with a symbolic statement:
-For the Ministry of Economic Affairsled by Luis “Toto” CaputoAs a symbol they assigned a caduceus – a classic symbol of trade, exchange and communication -: the snakes embody economic balance, and the wings evoke agility and dynamism.
-He Ministry of Security National (now under the responsibility of Alejandra Monteoliva) adopted an eagle, a symbol of surveillance, authority and protection: its keen vision and steady flight represent territorial control and state capacity.
-He Ministry of Defensewith the general Carlos Presti At the front he used Argentine Army sabers: a nod to the tradition, discipline, sovereignty and historical continuity of the armed forces.
-He Ministry of the Interiorled by Diego Santilliadded the Ceibo flower, a national symbol of identity, belonging and federalism, alluding to its role in articulating the nation and provinces.
-He Ministry of Deregulation of the state, under Federico Falleneggerincluded a torch that, according to the statement, represents leadership, clarity, transformation and opening new paths as part of the reformist impulse.
-He Ministry of Human Capitalresponsible for Sandra Pettovelloadded two intertwined hands, a symbol of work, solidarity, human development and commitment to opportunity and well-being.
-He Ministry of Justiceled by Mariano Cuneo Libaronaadopted the classical standards as a symbol of justice, truth, transparency and commitment to due process.
-He Ministry of Health, led by Mario Lugonesadded the Rod of Asclepius, a universal symbol of medicine, healing, care, wisdom and devotion to life.
– In addition, the government spokesman’s office – although not a ministry – had a lectern: a symbol of institutional communication, public authority and the commitment to direct dialogue with citizens. According to official sources, the symbolic renewal comes at a time that marks “the reset of management” – after the renewal of Parliament, the new Cabinet and on the eve of important debates on structural reforms.
The CGT warned that it opposed the labor reform “because it entails a loss of rights”.
Effects
The gaffe has drawn criticism from the opposition and political leaders. Among the toughest was the national deputy of the Unión por la Patria, Carlos Castagneto– in a public post on
The controversy revives previous debates: There has already been an episode in 2024 in which a map of Argentina was projected without the Falkland Islands – which raised strong questions. A few hours after the executive’s first communication, they took note of this and included the Malvinas in the new seal.
The national shield is a central emblem of Argentina and represents the history, sovereignty and representation of the nation. Its design has regulatory status and does not allow modifications. The dissemination of an altered version in official documents also comes at a time of debate over national identity and historical claims such as that of the Malvinas Islands, heightening sensitivity regarding its correct use.
DG/DCQ
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