Ana Lamas, Argentina’s top environmental official, has resigned, marking the 121st departure from President Milei’s administration. Her resignation comes amidst criticism over her handling of funds during forest fires and controversial decisions related to climate agreements. Fernando Jorge Brom will replace her as environmental undersecretary, while uncertainty looms over leadership in the environmental sector.
Argentina’s top environmental official, Ana Lamas, has resigned amid intense scrutiny and ongoing forest fires in the country. This marks the 121st resignation from President Javier Milei’s administration within just over a year. Lamas, who cited personal exhaustion for her departure, reassured that her resignation is not due to political conflicts with her ally and Cabinet Chief Guillermo Francos. She will be succeeded by Fernando Jorge Brom, who was confirmed for the role by government sources.
Lamas, who has served since the inception of Milei’s presidency in December 2023, faced criticism regarding her management of public funds, particularly in light of the forest fires impacting southern Argentina. Additionally, she was involved in the controversial decision to withdraw Argentina from COP29 at the President’s request, reaffirming the administration’s critical stance on climate change participation. ‘We’re withdrawing on the instructions of the Foreign Ministry,’ Lamas confirmed regarding the COP29 withdrawal.
With her resignation, there are indications that other top officials within the environmental sector may follow suit, exacerbating the existing leadership crisis. The undersecretariat has experienced a lack of management, which is jeopardizing critical reports required under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Lamas intends to finalize pending aspects of her role, including the processing of salaries and import/export permits to avoid disrupting business operations.
This situation highlights the ongoing turmoil within the Milei administration as it grapples with persistent environmental issues and examines controversial policy shifts regarding climate agreements. The government’s distancing from international climate collaborations poses further questions about Argentina’s commitment to addressing climate challenges effectively.
Ana Lamas’s resignation underscores the challenges faced by President Javier Milei’s administration regarding environmental policies and management. With multiple resignations and criticisms concerning her leadership amid a climate crisis, the government may struggle to fulfill its commitments to international climate agreements. The upcoming transition of leadership in the environmental sector could significantly impact Argentina’s climate strategies going forward.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
