Argentine President Javier Milei announced the complete closure of the Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity. This decision marks one of the most significant changes in the structure of the Argentine government since Milei's administration took office.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Casa Rosada, where President Milei outlined his government's rationale for the closure. He stated that the decision was part of a broader strategy to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucratic expenditures. Milei emphasized that his administration is committed to addressing gender issues through other existing governmental bodies rather than maintaining a separate ministry.

"We recognize the importance of these issues, but we believe they can be more effectively addressed within the frameworks of existing ministries and departments," Milei explained. "This reorganization aims to improve efficiency and allocate resources where they can have the most impact."

The Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity was established in December 2019, under the administration of President Alberto Fernández. Its creation was hailed as a progressive step towards addressing gender inequality and protecting the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in Argentina. The ministry was responsible for implementing policies and programs aimed at reducing gender-based violence, promoting gender equality, and supporting diverse communities.

Critics of the closure argue that dismantling the ministry could undermine years of progress in gender equality and weaken protections for marginalized groups. Various women's rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates have expressed concern over how the closure will affect ongoing initiatives and support services.

María del Carmen, a prominent feminist activist, voiced her concerns: "This decision risks rolling back the advancements we have made in recent years. The Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity played a crucial role in advocating for and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations."

Supporters of the closure, however, argue that consolidating responsibilities into existing ministries could lead to more cohesive and comprehensive policy development. They believe that gender issues can be addressed more effectively when integrated across multiple areas of government.

Economists have noted that the closure of the ministry could result in cost savings, but they caution that the long-term social impact should be carefully monitored. The exact financial implications of this decision are yet to be fully detailed by the government.

As Argentina moves forward with this significant structural change, the focus will be on how the government integrates gender and diversity issues into its broader policy framework. The success of this integration will likely determine the ultimate impact of the ministry's closure on Argentina's social landscape.