Ana Lamas has resigned as Argentina’s Environment Undersecretary, the latest official to leave under President Javier Milei’s administration. Her resignation follows criticism over environmental management amidst forest fires and potential withdrawal from the Paris climate accords. Fernando Jorge Brom is set to replace her, as the government continues to face challenges related to environmental policy and high-level departures.
Argentina’s environmental sector faced another setback as Ana Lamas, the Environment Undersecretary, resigned, marking the 121st official departure under President Javier Milei’s government. Amidst ongoing forest fires and a controversial review of the Paris climate accords, Lamas cited personal exhaustion for her resignation to the Cabinet Chief, Guillermo Francos. Confirming no political strife, she emphasized her commitment to a smooth transition, stating, “It’s for personal questions of exhaustion, but I have no problems with Guillermo Francos.”
Her role as Undersecretary commenced in December 2023, but she has recently faced backlash for perceived mismanagement of public funds during a critical environmental crisis in southern Argentina. As she engaged in efforts to finalize pending operational matters, including salary issues and permits, her departure could signal further instability within the department as key leadership positions remain unfilled.
The administration is facing heightened scrutiny under Milei’s administration, particularly as recent exploration to withdraw from the Paris Accords threatens Argentina’s international environmental commitments. Lamas had earlier been involved in a controversial directive to pull Argentina’s delegation from COP29 in 2022, signaling a significant divergence from previous governmental climate policies.
Fernando Jorge Brom has been announced as Lamas’ successor, already holding a position within the Cabinet Office and meeting with Secretary of Tourism, Environment & Sports Daniel Scioli before his official appointment. Lamas’ resignation adds to a growing list of administrative changes as the government navigates its environmental strategy amidst domestic and international pressures.
The resignation of Ana Lamas highlights the ongoing challenges within Argentina’s environmental leadership amid crises such as forest fires and potential withdrawals from international accords. With her replacement by Fernando Jorge Brom, the government faces the imperative of restoring stability in environmental management. As these rapid changes unfold, questions remain regarding Argentina’s commitment to climate action and the effectiveness of its environmental policies moving forward.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
