Alberto Fernández’s chief of staff, Juan Manzur, will leave his role next week to run for the position of vice-governor of Tucumán, his home province. Manzur, who has been in his role since September 2021, will run on a ticket with current vice governor Osvaldo Jaldo.

“We are sending Juan Manzur back to the people of Tucuman, so that he can work alongside them and make Peronism win with Osvaldo Jaldo as governor,” said Fernández yesterday, endorsing the duo in a speech for the launch of two high-voltage transformer stations in Tucumán. 

The current Chief of Staff was appointed in 2021 on the recommendation of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner after Santiago Cafiero’s resignation, the outcome of days of turmoil after Frente de Todos’ defeat in the midterm legislative elections. 

Following days of radio silence between the President and his VP, CFK released an open letter stating that she had suggested Alberto Fernández “relaunch” his government and appoint Juan Manzur as his new Chief of Staff. Fernández agreed, and Manzur left his position as the Tucumán governor to work in the Casa Rosada. 

At first, Manzur was very active publicly side-by-side with Alberto Fernández, but their relationship has cooled during the past few months. 

Manzur, a doctor specializing in public health, began his political career in the early 2000s. After working as a provincial Health Minister for more than a decade and being vice governor of twice, he was elected governor in 2015 and reelected in 2019. As he cannot be reelected again by law, he requested his province’s Supreme Court to allow him to run as vice-governor, a permit he was granted last year. 

“Alberto, Tucumán loves you and appreciates you,” said Manzur, before the crowds, during the act.

Manzur’s replacement as chief of staff has not yet been publicly named. However, Gabriela Cerrutti, the president’s spokesperson, said that the candidate has been chosen and  will be announced next week when Manzur leaves his position.