Libertarian and "chainsaw economist" Javier Milei wins Argentine election
Javier Milei, an economist and libertarian, becomes the President of Argentina, winning 56% of the votes amidst an economic crisis
In Argentina, Javier Milei, representing the Libertarian Party, won the presidential election, receiving about 56% of the voters' votes. His opponent and Argentina's Minister of Economy, Sergio Massa, as well as several Latin American leaders, congratulated the future president on his victory.CC0 1.0 Universal
Milei's Reforms and Policies
Milei, known as the "economist with a chainsaw," adheres to libertarian views, opposes Argentina's entry into BRICS, plans minimal state intervention in citizens' lives, proposes to abolish the Central Bank and replace the national currency with the US dollar. He also expressed a desire to sever ties with Russia, China, and Brazil.
Milei's plans include significant budget cuts and the privatization of state-owned companies, as well as the abolition of several ministries and the cancellation of social benefits. He advocates for the free sale of weapons and human organs but is against abortions.
The Economic Crisis in Argentina
Argentina, ranking third in economic size in Latin America, is experiencing a serious economic crisis. The country faces extremely high inflation, reaching 143%. Over 40% of the population lives in poverty, and the debt burden on citizens is a serious concern. The national currency, the peso, has sharply fallen, reaching over 350 pesos per US dollar officially and up to 900 pesos on the black market.
The minimum wage in the country is only 146,000 pesos, equivalent to approximately 413 US dollars or 378 euros. A study conducted by the University of Buenos Aires shows that most young people aged 18 to 29 would emigrate if they had the opportunity, indicating a low level of satisfaction with living conditions and prospects in the country.
The Political Career of Argentina's Future President
Javier Milei, a 53-year-old economist, burst onto Argentina's political scene just two years ago, becoming a deputy from Buenos Aires. Before entering politics, he had a successful career in economics, regularly appearing on television, where he was valued for his sharp and provocative statements against the corrupt elite.
Besides working on television, Milei taught economics at the university and worked for Corporación América. As a TV host, he was known for his sharp and critical comments about the state of Argentina's economy, claiming that solving its problems was very simple.
Milei also had an interesting hobby — he rated his dogs as "the best strategists in the world." In particular, his late dog Conan, who was cloned for $50,000, allegedly advised Milei through a medium to run for president.