Argentina elects 'shock therapy' libertarian Javier Milei as president

Congratulations and finally some great news for an amazing country.

Electing this far-right nutjob, a studied, clownish mishmash of Trump, Bolsonaro and Bullingdon Boris, but smarter than all three combined, exposes the Achilles heel of democracy, as did Germany's 1933 election. Desperate voters crushed by a corrupt system that has thrown them under the bus clutched at the straw of charismatic Milei's antic performances with his targeted emotional appeals gaslighting millions in their misery. Trouble is, from his early days 'El Loco' has carried a big chip on his shoulder that usually underlies the unmistakable psychogram of the authoritarian character type of humble background. Thomas Mann's 1929 novella, "Mario and the Magician" famously described the fascist dynamic between a "leader" and the people that will now play out in Argentina. The folks down there had better fasten their seat belts. Will be wild!

The current situation in Argentina is desperate, and should be seen as an example of how economic development and progress are not something that can be kept without effort once a country is headed towards development. Unexpected problems and bad decisions can destroy decades of effort in very little time, only time will tell if the results of this election are going to make things better or (as predicted by some experts) much worse.

I’m So long as he doesn't use War as a distraction to their Economic woes - and attack the Falklands again, then I wish them all the best.

I agree.

Electing this far-right nutjob, a studied, clownish mishmash of Trump, Bolsonaro and Bullingdon Boris, but smarter than all three combined, exposes the Achilles heel of democracy, as did Germany's 1933 election. Desperate voters crushed by a corrupt system that has thrown them under the bus clutched at the straw of charismatic Milei's antic performances with his targeted emotional appeals gaslighting millions in their misery. Trouble is, from his early days 'El Loco' has carried a big chip on his shoulder that usually underlies the unmistakable psychogram of the authoritarian character type of humble background. Thomas Mann's 1929 novella, "Mario and the Magician" famously described the fascist dynamic between a "leader" and the people that will now play out in Argentina. The folks down there had better fasten their seat belts. Will be wild!

Ok, so cutting through the muck, all of the liberal socialist policies failed, all of them. Time to try something new and different because the socialists couldn’t get it right.

This is going to be a disaster.

the only possible silver lining might be that it shows voters in other democracies the dangers of choosing a sociopath.

Fantastic!

Argentinas people have clearly suffered under regimes that have brought them horrid levels of inflation in excess of 100%.

Naturally their voters have decided to try something else for a change, and good luck to them.

viva liberado is it?

Electing this far-right nutjob, a studied, clownish mishmash of Trump, Bolsonaro and Bullingdon Boris, but smarter than all three combined, exposes the Achilles heel of democracy, as did Germany's 1933 election

Um, you do know that sometimes in democratic elections, you won’t like the victor, right?

Of course, people are welcome to their opinions…. But it would be classy to accept the result of Argentina’s people without slander.

time will tell if the results of this election are going to make things better or (as predicted by some experts) much worse.

Reform will be accompanied by some pain, as some people will need to adjust to life in a different world.

As an expert, I predict things will look better for Argentina in 5 years, not worse. Turmoil in the short term is inevitable, but that is not the end goal.

But it would be classy to accept the result of Argentina’s people without slander.

Nothing classy about the many authoritarians elected in a democratic election. There are so many monsters who rode to power on ballots before the bullets came. You must just love Hamas!

Nothing classy about the many authoritarians

I was suggesting that it would be classy for everyone to accept the results, and hope for the success of the Argentinian people.

You must just love Hamas!

I can only think you have not listened to much of what Milei has had to say.

Like the Argentinians quoted in the article, one may not like his positions on everything, but he fundamentally believes in human freedom, and … comparison with Hamas… well yeah whatever to that

Milei is also staunchly anti-abortion, 

Well, that's hardly libertarian...

Electing this far-right nutjob, a studied, clownish mishmash of Trump, Bolsonaro and Bullingdon Boris, but smarter than all three combined, exposes the Achilles heel of democracy, as did Germany's 1933 election.

This is so unbelievably unhinged. Is it really necessary to compare every election result you disagree with to that which brought us Hitler?

In any event, regarding Argentina's future, the most important thing here, we'll see how it goes. I've learned from past experiences not to get my hopes up too high.

However, more often than not, it is pretty obvious that the end result of socialist policies is that eventually the people in charge end up abandoning socialism. You can look to China, Vietnam, Eastern Europe, and elsewhere. Centrally planned economies always fail right on cue.

Great news! Another loss for the left and another Trump ally for when he inevitably returns.

Super odd that leftists suddenly aren’t much fans of “muh democracy!” when the “wrong” guy wins.

sound kinda unhinged and mad about other peoples votes and selection of a leader in a country you don’t have to live in.

Even if Trump returns he won't have anything to do with Argentina. 75% inflation rate. $1 is 350 pesos.

Even if Trump returns he won't have anything to do with Argentina

Oh wont be? Bet he congratulates the winner soon.

The only item Argentina wants from the US is dollars. It's a corrupt country whoever is in power. The best point about the country is the football.

One thing that does make me roll my eyes is comparisons between Milei and Trump.

Trump’s administration did some decent things (some not so), but I am not a big fan of him personally.

Two very different kettles of fish.

Well, that's hardly libertarian...

I saw him explain his position on that in libertarian terms.

Abortion matters are not one of his ideas that has me excited though, it’s his economic plans that are of most interest, and I would assume that is the case for most Argentinians too.

Bet he congratulates the winner soon.

He did already it reads:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Milei and said the libertarian would make Argentina great again.

Laughed at the MAGA :)

Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Milei and said the libertarian would make Argentina great again.

Probably a fan of Juan Peron and his former allies too.

I've said it before, neo-liberal "reforms" that result in falling living standards for workers and inflate rentier assets open the door to authoritarian populism .

It has been seen in the US elsewhere.

Some Argentines had characterized the vote as a choice of the "lesser evil": fear of Milei's painful economic medicine versus anger at Massa and his Peronist party for an economic crisis that has left Argentina deeply in debt and unable to tap global credit markets.

Unlike the many false posts above, this was a choice between populist conservatism and old-school conservatism.

Nothing about socialism. People are mixing up their prejudices and countries as usual.

Quite the social experiment for a South American county. Good luck, you will need it. Don't make unneeded enemies. Be friendly to all.

I'm probably one of the very few here who has actually spent some time in Argentina albeit 35 years ago. It used to be a great place, Argentinians are Italians who speak Spanish but think they are British, but has suffered greatly through mismanagement in recent years. I wish Milei all the luck in the world, he's going to need it.

fxgai

Well, that's hardly libertarian...

I saw him explain his position on that in libertarian terms.

I can just imagine the unsound logical gymnastics he must have used...

This is going to be a disaster. 

How so? For rejecting Marxist, socialist policies?

the only possible silver lining might be that it shows voters in other democracies the dangers of choosing a sociopath.

For wanting prosperity and self-reliance, damn the man!

The only item Argentina wants from the US is dollars.

And a better life.

It's a corrupt country whoever is in power.

You can say that about most countries these days.

The best point about the country is the football.

Only if you like Argentinian soccer.

Of course, people are welcome to their opinions…. But it would be classy to accept the result of Argentina’s people without slander.

Those who insist on respecting the results of democratic elections must therefore accept that Hamas won fair and square. A more uncomfortable fact ignored or wished away is that a people have the right, recognized by international law, to take up arms against an occupying force. Therefore Hamas is NOT a terrorist organization. Has Hamas committed acts of terrorism? Most certainly, Haven't all governments?

Those who insist on respecting the results of democratic elections must therefore accept that Hamas won fair and square.

Quite right. The Palestinian people chose and continue to support a barbaric terrorist organization.

No argument from me on that point.

Argentina is on the verge of economic collapse with %150 inflation.

Toblerone

Those who insist on respecting the results of democratic elections must therefore accept that Hamas won fair and square.

Quite right. The Palestinian people chose and continue to support a barbaric terrorist organization.

No argument from me on that point.

As did the Israeli government and Netanyahu. Israel supported Hamas over alternatives, because they didn't want any idea of peace talks between them and the Palestinians.

bass4funk

The best point about the country is the football.

> Only if you like Argentinian soccer.

You claimed to be a fan of soccer during the Women's WC.

Argentina is on the verge of economic collapse with %150 inflation.

That is why they just had an election.

You claimed to be a fan of soccer during the Women's WC.

I am, just don’t like Argentina that much, not a huge fan

Argentina has plenty of natural resources and human resources to rival any European country in wealth. There must be some fundamental flaw in the political or economic system to keep causing economic crises every few years. I would suspect an ingrained corruption that has not been dealt with.

I'm probably one of the very few here who has actually spent some time in Argentina albeit 35 years ago. It used to be a great place,

I was there, too, after the Falklands War when the fascist government's campaign of terror had ended. If "it used to be a great place", that must have been way before the butchery of the "Dirty War". Beautiful country, though, in wilds of the Andes and Patagonia and in the vastness of the Pampas.

viva liberado is it?

Viva la Libertad Carajo!

That was what I was looking for.

Those who insist on respecting the results of democratic elections must therefore accept that Hamas won fair and square.

Sounds like it, but that has zippo to do with Argentina’s election.

Viva la Libertad Carajo!

Sounds like it, but that has zippo to do with Argentina’s election.

But everything to do with your own words: But it would be classy to accept the result of Argentina’s people without slander. Ditto the democratically elected government of Gaza. Cognitive dissonance again, innit?

The rich, the big landowners, and the businessmen control Argentina. The youth are looking for ways to escape to another country.

I think my favorite part about Milei is his support of selling human organs.

My other favorite part about Milei is the opposition to abortion. Like, it's really good that a libertarian like Milei wants to force women to give birth.

I also like how a "libertarian" like Milei glad hands with protectionists like Trump and Bolsonaro. It's great.

I can feel the libertarian.

Like, it's really good that a libertarian like Milei wants to force women to give birth.

When I saw him talk about that issue, his perspective was that killing a baby life goes against his views on human freedom. But you can go find a video about that.

I also like how a "libertarian" like Milei glad hands with protectionists like Trump 

This is a better point - Trump is by no means a free trader.

Still, he is not a commie socialist, which is the key distinction to be made versus the CCP or some of the other neighbors Argentina has.

Cognitive dissonance again, innit?

Hullo, Hamas did nothing wrong by winning an election, back whenever that was. Their misstep was to recently on October 7th attack their neighbor…

Versus, Milei wins an election on a platform of human freedom…

You get back to us once Milei has his troops March into Chile or Brazil and slaughter hundreds of innocent people, mkay?

For 30+ yrs, Argentinians have elected "SOBs" - their term, not mine. Every new election comes with hope that the person elected won't be yet another "SOB". BsAs is full of "SOB" statues.

I know nothing about Javier Milei and what is will really do. Nobody does. But hopefully, he isn't a mini-Trump. Argentinians deserve a stable, thriving economy that doesn't require carrying barrels of cash around to buy a house. I disagree on his abortion stance, but completely approve of anything that embarrasses religions.

Here's hoping he isn't just another "SOB" in the Pink House.

fxgai

Like, it's really good that a libertarian like Milei wants to force women to give birth.

When I saw him talk about that issue, his perspective was that killing a baby life goes against his views on human freedom. But you can go find a video about that.

Yeah. He wants the government to control women's bodies. Not libertarian.

Congrats to Argentina and their new President. Peaceful transitions of power in democracies should always be celebrated. Are there any guarantees that he won't become a dictator? No, there are no guarantees in life. You just make sure that your checks and balances are in effect and people are free to vote in the next multi-party election. Sometimes the other team wins in democracy and sometimes yours does.

Yeah. He wants the government to control women's bodies. Not libertarian.

I don’t think you will produce evidence of him saying he wants government to control much, and not that.

Your ball.

(The economy is the real issue, not a let peeve of some Americans)

2020hindsightsNov. 20  12:08 pm JST

Milei is also staunchly anti-abortion, 

Well, that's hardly libertarian..

Not if you value the liberty of a fetus to be carried to birth. Clearly you don't believe in the non-aggression principle (basically, don't harm others unless in self-defence) or have never heard of it.

Personally, I welcome this change of government in Argentina. After decades of socialism that have ruined the country, Argentinians have voted for change for the better. There may be some pain for a while, like fxgai said above, while the cancer is excised, but it has to be done.

The usual suspects will denounce Milei as "far-right" and all the other fact-free slurs that accompany it without understanding or bothering to check what he stands for and against.

He can't become a dictator. That isn't how Argentina works and nobody there would stand for it.

He may become more authoritarian, but I doubt it based on his claim to be a libertarian. He wants to cut govt, not expand it.

Authoritarians need big govt to ensure they have control over the people.

Towards the end of most months in Argentina, many people have a tough time until the next paycheck arrives. In BsAs, there are more women selling themselves the last week of every month than all other times. They do it to pay rent. For a highly Catholic country, it seems strange to me that some morally questionable work is allowed in in the open.

Abortion in the first 14 weeks is legal in Argentina since 2020. While the President may hold a different idea, he doesn't have the power alone to rescind that law. What he does have is the "power of the pulpit" to try to convince the lawmakers to rescind the law. I don't think that will happen. Many doctors there still refuse to perform abortions as a "conscious objection" to the law.

Everywhere has flaws. Argentina has some great places to visit and I'd happily live there for 6 months, taking in more that I have already in a few trips - the pizza is AMAZING - but I'd rather live in Uruguay or even Chile if we are talking South American countries to live for the rest of our lives.

Apparently, the day after his election, he said that he is planning to dismantle the media outlets that gave him negative coverage during the election. So, far from being a libertarian, he is acting like a fascist.

fxgai

Yeah. He wants the government to control women's bodies. Not libertarian.

I don’t think you will produce evidence of him saying he wants government to control much, and not that.

Your ball.

So he isn't anti-abortion, or will stay away from it during his term?

Bad Haircut

Milei is also staunchly anti-abortion, 

Well, that's hardly libertarian..

Not if you value the liberty of a fetus to be carried to birth. Clearly you don't believe in the non-aggression principle (basically, don't harm others unless in self-defence) or have never heard of it.

A fetus isn't a person, so it doesn't apply. Unless you believe that a fetus is a person, then do what your conscience says. But do not force that belief on others that don't believe that. Freedom of religion.

The usual suspects will denounce Milei as "far-right" and all the other fact-free slurs that accompany it without understanding or bothering to check what he stands for and against.

He said that he is planning to dismantle the media outlets that gave him negative coverage during the election. So yeah, a hard right, fascist.

He said that he is planning to dismantle the media outlets that gave him negative coverage during the election. So yeah, a hard right, fascist.

Show me where he said that.

A fetus isn't a person, so it doesn't apply. Unless you believe that a fetus is a person, then do what your conscience says. But do not force that belief on others that don't believe that. Freedom of religion.

It's not a matter of "belief", as you lefty moral relativists wish it was. The fact is the fetus is a developing person, so unless the mother's life is in serious threat, or in extreme cases like r@pe, then the fetus should be carried to term and adopted out if the mother doesn't want to or can't look after the child. Milei is simply defending the life of the most vulnerable of all and you're chastising him for it.

Bad Haircut

*He said that he is planning to dismantle the media outlets that gave him negative coverage during the election. So yeah, a hard right, fascist.*

Show me where he said that.

https://apnews.com/article/election-milei-massa-runoff-6a171de948a034bd43c853f6d3f50f5c

He said in a radio interview that would quickly move forward with plans to privatize state-run media outlets he received negative coverage from during his campaign and which he deemed “a covert ministry of propaganda.”

Bad Haircut

It's not a matter of "belief", as you lefty moral relativists wish it was. The fact is the fetus is a developing person

It may be a "developing person", but it isn't a person yet. It is a cluster of cells that could become a person.

2020hindsightsToday  05:55 pm JST

Bad Haircut

He said that he is planning to dismantle the media outlets that gave him negative coverage during the election. So yeah, a hard right, fascist.

Show me where he said that.

https://apnews.com/article/election-milei-massa-runoff-6a171de948a034bd43c853f6d3f50f5c

He said in a radio interview that would quickly move forward with plans to privatize state-run media outlets he received negative coverage from during his campaign and which he deemed “a covert ministry of propaganda.”

Um, he said he'd privatize them, not dismantle them. That means selling them off. If you're going to try a slur, at least be honest with the words.

So, no, you've shown zero proof that he's a hard-right fascist. I doubt you even understand what a fascist is.

Do try harder next time.

2020hindsightsToday  05:58 pm JST

Bad Haircut

It's not a matter of "belief", as you lefty moral relativists wish it was. The fact is the fetus is a developing person

It may be a "developing person", but it isn't a person yet. It is a cluster of cells that could become a person.

Who are you to say at what point a cluster of cells becomes a person?