MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Cristina Kirchner replaces top aide and cabinet chief

New Cabinet Chief Massa & outgoing Fernandez

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner named on Wednesday a former head of the social security agency Sergio Massa as cabinet chief, in a shake-up just days after the Senate rejected a government tax hike on farm exports, reported the official news agency Telam.

"I feel deeply honored and very proud with the post and I promise to talk and discuss with those who most know", were Massa's first comments with the press following his designation. Massa served four years under President Fernandez's predecessor and husband, former President Nestor Kirchner, and was elected as a municipal mayor of one of Buenos Aires main suburbs last December. His predecessor in the job Alberto Fernandez, who joined the presidential hopeful Nestor Kirchner in 2003 and helped him draft his government program, was one of the most trusted members and closest aides of the Kirchners bunker. But he was also the visible face in the long stand off with farmers. Buenos Aires media reported quoting "reliable sources" from the Presidential residence that Mrs. Kirchner wanted him to stay on the job, but he insisted in leaving following the latest political events. The grains and oilseeds export tax hike sparked four months of farmer protests, roadblocks and sporadic food shortages. The dispute also sank the president's popularity and the Kirchners invincibility following the resounding defeat in the Senate which repealed the bill. "I'm going to do my utmost and I humbly call on all sectors to contribute to help build a better and fairer country", said Massa. He added that during the meeting with President Cristina de Kirchner "she asked me to generate consensus, to work closely with governors, senators and deputies, and to continue with the government's effort to benefit the Argentine people". Alberto Fernandez is the second official to resign from Mrs. Kirchner cabinet: the first was Agriculture Secretary Javier de Urquiza.