Argentina elected right-wing libertarian Javier Milei as its new president on Sunday, rolling the dice on an outsider with radical views to fix an economy battered by triple-digit inflation, a looming recession and rising poverty.
Official results showed Milei with near 56% versus just over 44% for his rival, Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who conceded in a speech. The result once again caught pollsters off guard who had predicted a closer race.
In downtown Buenos Aires hundreds of Milei supporters honked horns and chanted his popular refrain against the political elite - "out with all of them" - as rock music played from speakers. Some people set off fireworks as excitement spread.
"We came to celebrate this historic triumph," said Efrain Viveros, a 21-year-old student from the province of Salta. "I'm honestly ecstatic. Milei represents change, for the better. With Massa we'd have had no future, our future has returned."
Massa in a speech said he had congratulated Milei and said the libertarian now needed to show his readiness to rule. "From tomorrow the responsibility of providing certainty belongs to Milei," he said.
Milei is pledging economic shock therapy. His plans include shutting the central bank, ditching the peso, and slashing spending, potentially painful reforms that resonated with voters angry at the economic malaise.
"Milei is the new thing, he's a bit of an unknown and it is a little scary, but it's time to turn over a new page," said 31-year-old restaurant worker Cristian as he voted on Sunday.
Milei's challenges are enormous. He will have to deal with the empty coffers of the government and central bank, a creaking $44 billion debt program with the International Monetary Fund, inflation nearing 150% and a dizzying array of capital controls.
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.
Milei has been particularly popular among the young, who have grown up seeing their country lurch from one crisis to another.
"Perhaps not everything Milei says I agree with or can identify with but he is our future," said Irene Sosa, a 20-year-old student celebrating outside his election bunker. "Milei represents a future for young people like me, Massa was everything that is wrong with our country."
Milei's win shakes up Argentina's political landscape and economic roadmap, and could impact trade in grains, lithium and hydrocarbons. Milei has criticized China and Brazil, saying he won't deal with "communists," and favors stronger U.S. ties.
Despite that, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wished Milei luck and success after the result was announced, adding that it was important democracy was respected.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump congratulated Milei and said the libertarian would make Argentina great again.
Leftist Colombian President Gustavo Petro, meanwhile, said it was a "sad day" for the region.
The shock rise of Milei, a 53-year-old economist and former TV pundit, has broken the hegemony of the two main political forces on the left and the right - the Peronists and the main Together for Change conservative bloc.
"The election marks a profound rupture in the system of political representation in Argentina," said Julio Burdman, director of the consultancy Observatorio Electoral, ahead of the vote.
Supporters of Massa, 51, an experienced political wheeler-dealer, had sought to appeal to voter fears about Milei's volatile character and plan to cut back the size of the state.
"Milei's policies scare me," teacher Susana Martinez, 42, said on Sunday after she voted for Massa.
Milei is also staunchly anti-abortion, favors looser gun laws and has criticized Argentine Pope Francis. He used to carry a chainsaw in a symbol of his planned cuts but shelved it in recent weeks to help boost his moderate image.
After October's first-round vote, Milei struck an uneasy alliance with the conservatives, which boosted his support. But he faces a highly fragmented Congress, with no single bloc having a majority, meaning that he will need to get backing from other factions to push through legislation. Milei's coalition also does not have any regional governors or mayors.
That may temper some of his more radical proposals. Long-suffering voters are likely to have little patience, and the threat of social unrest is never far below the surface.
His backers say only he can uproot the political status quo and economic malaise that has dogged South America's second-largest economy for years.
"Milei is the only viable option so we do not end up in misery," said Santiago Neria, a 34-year-old accountant.
© Thomson Reuters 2023.
53 Comments
bass4funk
Congratulations and finally some great news for an amazing country.
u_s__reamer
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!
TokyoOldMan
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.
virusrex
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.
bass4funk
I agree.
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.
John
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.
fxgai
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?
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.
fxgai
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.
u_s__reamer
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!
fxgai
I was suggesting that it would be classy for everyone to accept the results, and hope for the success of the Argentinian people.
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
2020hindsights
Well, that's hardly libertarian...
wolfshine
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.
Blacklabel
Great news! Another loss for the left and another Trump ally for when he inevitably returns.
Blacklabel
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.
wallace
Even if Trump returns he won't have anything to do with Argentina. 75% inflation rate. $1 is 350 pesos.
Blacklabel
Oh wont be? Bet he congratulates the winner soon.
wallace
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.
fxgai
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.
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.
fxgai
He did already it reads:
Laughed at the MAGA :)
dagon
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.
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.
deanzaZZR
Quite the social experiment for a South American county. Good luck, you will need it. Don't make unneeded enemies. Be friendly to all.
Harry_Gatto
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.
2020hindsights
fxgai
Well, that's hardly libertarian...
I can just imagine the unsound logical gymnastics he must have used...
bass4funk
How so? For rejecting Marxist, socialist policies?
For wanting prosperity and self-reliance, damn the man!
And a better life.
You can say that about most countries these days.
Only if you like Argentinian soccer.
u_s__reamer
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?
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.
wallace
Argentina is on the verge of economic collapse with %150 inflation.
2020hindsights
Toblerone
Those who insist on respecting the results of democratic elections must therefore accept that Hamas won fair and square.
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.
wallace
bass4funk
You claimed to be a fan of soccer during the Women's WC.
bass4funk
That is why they just had an election.
I am, just don’t like Argentina that much, not a huge fan
Redemption
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.
u_s__reamer
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.
fxgai
Viva la Libertad Carajo!
That was what I was looking for.
Sounds like it, but that has zippo to do with Argentina’s election.
Viva la Libertad Carajo!
u_s__reamer
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?
wallace
The rich, the big landowners, and the businessmen control Argentina. The youth are looking for ways to escape to another country.
Cards fan
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.
fxgai
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.
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.
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?
theFu
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.
TokyoOldMan
A lot of people here, appear to be criticizing the "Democratic" decision of the Argentinian people, partly perhaps because of their own "Political" Persuasion within their own respective Countries, that may not apply equally within Argentina.
One thing to consider, at least, if he fails to deliver - then he won't be President again, come the next election - unlike some Countries. Give him a chance,
2020hindsights
fxgai
Like, it's really good that a libertarian like Milei wants to force women to give birth.
Yeah. He wants the government to control women's bodies. Not libertarian.
UChosePoorly
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.
fxgai
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)
Bad Haircut
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.
theFu
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.
2020hindsights
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.
2020hindsights
fxgai
Yeah. He wants the government to control women's bodies. Not libertarian.
So he isn't anti-abortion, or will stay away from it during his term?
2020hindsights
Bad Haircut
Milei is also staunchly anti-abortion,
Well, that's hardly libertarian..
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.
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.
Bad Haircut
Show me where he said that.
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, 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.
2020hindsights
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.*
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.”
2020hindsights
Bad Haircut
It may be a "developing person", but it isn't a person yet. It is a cluster of cells that could become a person.
Bad Haircut
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.
Bad Haircut
Who are you to say at what point a cluster of cells becomes a person?