The contrast with the Kirchnerist period reappeared. In mid-2024, the Senate had approved the promotion of 21 military officers who had been retired during Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's administration for 'surname possession', a decision that the ruling party considered an act of institutional reparation.
The Government confirmed that on December 1, Milei will lead a similar ceremony, but intended for the senior officers of the five Federal Security Forces. It will be the first formal participation of the new Minister of Security, Alejandra Monteoliva, following Patricia Bullrich's move to the Senate.
Se repetirá una ceremonia similar con las Fuerzas de Seguridad
Visit of Israel's Foreign Minister
After the military ceremony, Milei will receive Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, at Casa Rosada, who arrived in Buenos Aires as part of a regional tour that included a previous stop in Paraguay. The visit reinforced the strategic alignment between the two countries.
Sa'ar will also be received by the Argentine Foreign Minister, Pablo Quirno, and will hold meetings with legislative leaders, including the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Martín Menem.
During his stay, the Israeli official will participate in commemorative events honoring the victims of the attacks against the Israeli Embassy in 1992 and against AMIA in 1994. He will also be one of the main guests at the event for the 90th anniversary of DAIA, which will be held at the Teatro Colón, where a Verdi opera concert will take place.
A policy of institutional recognition
el Presidente Milei junto a nuevo Ministro de Defensa: Tte. General Carlos Presti
The presentation of sabers, the restoration of careers previously sidelined, and the appointment of a military officer to lead Defense consolidate a clear shift from the inherited policy.
For the liberal administration, national defense has once again taken a central place in the State's framework. The event at Casa Rosada made it clear: the Armed Forces are regaining a role of prestige, stability, and institutional recognition.
President Javier Milei led Tuesday's annual presentation of sabers and commissions to the new senior officers of the Armed Forces. The ceremony took place in the White Hall of the Casa Rosada, with the presence of the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri. Lieutenant General Carlos Presti also accompanied them, who has been designated to succeed Petri as head of the ministry starting December 10.
Javier Milei encabeza el acto anual de las Fuerzas Armadas junto a Luis Petri
The ceremony began at 11 a.m. and brought together the new generals, admirals, and brigadiers promoted in 2025, along with their families, ministers, military authorities, and Executive officials.
Presti participated in his uniform as Chief of the Army General Staff, a position he has held since December 2023. His presence was notable, as he will be the first military officer to assume the Ministry of Defense since the return of democracy in 1983.
The presentation of sabers and military tradition
During the event, Milei presented 30 sabers, which had been previously approved by the Senate and distributed among the three branches. Each blade bore the officer's name and the President's signature, as established by military tradition.
El presidente entrega los sables firmados por él.
Also present in the White Hall were the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Brigadier General Xavier Julián Isaac; the Chief of the Navy, Admiral Carlos María Allievi; as previously mentioned, the Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General Carlos Presti; and the Chief of the Air Force, Major Brigadier Gustavo Valverde.
Casa Rosada highlighted the symbolism of the event, which reinforces the institutional bond between the Executive Branch and the Armed Forces. The ceremony is part of the formal activities recognizing officers who reach the next highest rank.
The political message and the contrast with Kirchnerism
The Government emphasized the continuity of the message delivered at the 2024 ceremony. "Previous governments that boasted of being the greatest defenders of national sovereignty, at the same time concealed or belittled, whether out of revenge or ignorance, the role of those who literally give their lives for the Homeland. We came to turn this sad page," the President had said at the time.
