Argentines elected right-wing libertarian Javier Milei as their next president on Sunday, promising big changes in the face of Argentina’s high inflation and mounting poverty. Milei, who allegedly connects spiritually with dead canines for political advice, was also the largest winner in the August primaries. Later, on October 23, general elections were held, followed by a runoff on Sunday because no candidate received a majority in the first round. Here is everything you need to know about Milei.
Milei previously presented Demoliendo Mitos, a radio show that featured economists, businessmen, and politicians
According to the Argentine electoral administration, Milei received 55.8% of the total 97.6% of votes cast during the presidential runoff on Sunday. In the meantime, his opponent, outgoing Economy Minister Sergio Massa, garnered 44.2% of the vote. The margin of their votes is likely to be more than predicted by all pre-election polls, resulting in the country’s largest triumph since its return to democracy in 1983. Milei first appeared on the Argentine political landscape in 2021. Prior to that, the 53-year-old economist worked as a university lecturer for nearly two decades.
He is the author of several works, including The Libertarian’s Path, The End of Inflation, and Economic Politics Against the Clock.
Milei previously presented Demoliendo Mitos, a radio show that featured economists, businessmen, and politicians. He has also worked as a private company’s top economist and provided financial counsel to businessman Eduardo Eurnekian. According to Reuters, after winning the election on Sunday, Milei addressed the people of Argentina, acknowledging the challenges ahead of him. He declared defiantly, “The model of decadence has come to an end; there’s no going back.” “We face monumental challenges ahead: inflation, unemployment, and poverty,” said the 53-year-old. “The situation is critical, and there is no place for tepid half-measures,” he said.
He previously suggested the abolition of Argentina’s central bank, threatening to dollarize the country’s economy
Surprisingly, the Sunday vote took place in the midst of Milei’s suspicions of electoral fraud. He claimed, without providing evidence, that there were anomalies in the first round of the presidential election that influenced the results. Meanwhile, in an uncommon move, Milei previously suggested the abolition of Argentina’s central bank, threatening to dollarize the country’s economy as inflation reached 120%. He claimed that halting money printing would provide relief. He also opposes legalizing abortion, even in cases of rape, but believes human organ trafficking and armament sales must be authorized.
