Javier Milei Wins Argentina’s Presidency

A self-described anarcho-capitalist, 53-year-old Javier Milei gained popularity as a TV personality bent on denouncing the ‘political caste’.

Milei beat the opposing candidate, economy minister Sergio Massa, 55.7% to 44.3% – a wider margin than expected. His election represents a seismic shift in Argentinian politics, where Peronism dominated the political landscape for decades.

Conceding the election, Massa wrote, “Tonight confirms that we have a strong, solid and transparent democratic system that always respects the results. Coexistence, dialogue and respect for peace in the face of so much violence is the best path we can take.

“I contacted Javier Milei, the president that the majority of Argentines elected for the next four years, I congratulated him, I wished him luck, and I proposed tomorrow to launch liaison and transition mechanisms for a change of government, for normal functioning economic, social, political and institutional.”

‘Make Argentina Great Again’

Much like former US President Donald Trump, whom he openly admires, Milei promised several times to purge the ‘political caste’ and cut State spending by getting rid of ministries such as that of health and education as well as the country’s Central Bank. Indeed, several times over the course of his campaign he held a chainsaw to symbolise his commitment to spending cuts.

“The whole world was watching! I am very proud of you. You will turn your Country around and truly Make Argentina Great Again!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, commenting the outcome of the elections.

An economist, Milei has proposed replacing the country’s currency with the US dollar as a measure to combat the soaring inflation. He is a staunch opposer of abortion, which the country recently legalised, and has proposed a vote to repeal Argentina’s abortion laws. He rejects the notion climate change is driven by human activity and supports loosening gun controls – although he did seem to drop this pledge during the last few weeks presidential campaign, as well as toning down some of his more outlandish proposals.

In a country facing deep economic strife, with annual inflation soaring above 140% and a 40% poverty rate, experts agree that it was his promise of quick, deep economic changes that resonated with most voters.

“Today the reconstruction of Argentina begins,” Milei said in his first speech as President elect. “God bless the Argentines.”