Right-wing Populist to Become Argentina's Next President
After pledging to bring about a significant transformation to the state, right-wing populist Javier Milei is set to become the next president of Argentina. The fiercely polarized election campaign took place amidst widespread discontent over the country's soaring inflation and increasing poverty.
Landmark Victory
With 97.6% of the votes counted in Sunday's presidential runoff, Milei secured 55.8% of the votes, while Economy Minister Sergio Massa garnered 44.2%, according to Argentina's electoral authority. This margin is wider than anticipated by all polls and marks the largest victory since the country's return to democracy in 1983.
Celebrations in Buenos Aires
As news of Milei's victory spread, the streets of Buenos Aires erupted in celebration. Drivers honked their horns, and citizens gathered in various neighborhoods to express their joy. Outside Milei's party headquarters, located in a downtown Buenos Aires hotel, supporters were filled with euphoria.
Concession and Congratulations
Sergio Massa, representing the ruling Peronist party, gracefully conceded defeat and congratulated Milei on his triumph. Milei, a self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist often likened to former President Donald Trump, received praise from Trump himself. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Congratulations to Javier Milei on a great race for President of Argentina. The whole world was watching! I am very proud of you. You will turn your Country around and truly Make Argentina Great Again!"
"Argentines chose another path," Massa said in his speech. "Starting tomorrow ... guaranteeing the political, social and economic functions is the responsibility of the new president. I hope he does."
With a Milei victory, the country will swing to the right and empower a freshman lawmaker who got his start as a television talking head blasting what he called the "political caste."
Inflation has soared above 140% and poverty has worsened while Massa has held his post. Milei has proposed to slash the size of the state and rein in inflation, while the government minister he was running against warned people about the negative impacts of such policies. The election forced many to decide which of the two they considered to be the least bad choice.
"This is a triumph that is less due to Milei and his peculiarities and particularities and more to the demand for change," said Lucas Romero, the head of Synopsis, a local political consulting firm. "What is being expressed at the polls is the weariness, the fatigue, the protest vote of the majority of Argentines."
Libertarian Candidate's Victory in Argentina's Election Sparks Concerns
Following the recent election in Argentina, concerns have been raised about the impact of the libertarian candidate's victory on public services, welfare programs, and the overall state of the economy. The campaign of the defeated candidate, Massa, highlighted the potential threat to health and education services, as well as the controversial rhetoric and behavior of his opponent, Milei.
According to Andrei Roman, CEO of Brazilian pollster Atlas Intel, many voters who were initially undecided or considering voting against Milei ultimately chose him due to their dissatisfaction with the current state of the economy and a desire for change. The fear of Massa winning and the economy continuing to deteriorate, including high inflation rates, played a significant role in Milei's victory.
Milei, on the other hand, accused Massa and his allies of fearmongering and reassured voters in his final campaign ad that he has no intention of privatizing education or healthcare, and he walked back some of his more controversial proposals, such as loosening gun control.
The appeal of Milei's message was particularly strong among Argentines who are struggling financially, especially young men. Many individuals, like Esteban Medina, a 26-year-old physical therapist, expressed frustration with the increasing cost of living and the inadequacy of their salaries.
Entrepreneurs in Argentina Turn to Milei for Change
María Gabriela Gaviola, a 63-year-old entrepreneur, is doing everything she can to keep her company afloat amidst surging prices for materials. Gaviola, who manufactures veterinary products, has taken on two side jobs to avoid shuttering her business. She criticizes the government, including Minister Massa, for not supporting the productive sector of the country.
"The productive sector of this country isn't considered. How long can a country that doesn't produce be OK?" said Gaviola. "Truth is, I don't know Milei. I've heard him a bit. I don't know him, but the one who I already know doesn't help me. I prefer to try something new."
Recent pre-election polls have shown a statistical tie between the two candidates, with Milei slightly ahead.
The bitter division in this campaign was evident when Milei received both jeers and cheers at the Colón Theater in Buenos Aires. The acrimony continued on Sunday when Milei's running mate, Victoria Villaruel, faced angry protesters who disagreed with her controversial positions on the number of victims from Argentina's military dictatorship.
The recent vote in Argentina took place amidst allegations of possible electoral fraud made by Milei, similar to those made by Trump and former far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Without providing any evidence, Milei claimed that irregularities during the first round of the presidential election affected the final result. However, experts have stated that such irregularities cannot significantly impact the outcome of an election. It is believed that Milei's assertions were primarily aimed at energizing his base and encouraging his supporters to monitor voting stations.
"Hope shines again in South America," Bolsonaro expressed on X, formerly known as Twitter. "May these positive winds also reach the United States and Brazil, so that honesty, progress, and liberty can be restored to all."
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva congratulated Milei on social media, stating, "Democracy is the voice of the people, and it must always be respected. My congratulations to the Argentine institutions for conducting a smooth and peaceful electoral process, and to the Argentine people who participated in an orderly manner. I wish the new government good luck and success."
