BUENOS AIRES – Argentina elected libertarian outsider Javier Milei as its new president on Sunday, rolling the dice on an outsider with radical views to fix an economy plagued by triple-digit inflation, a looming recession and rising poverty.
Official results have not been released, but his rival, Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa, acknowledged in his speech.
His candidacy was hampered by the country’s worst economic crisis in the two decades he was at the helm.
Milei promises economic shock therapy.
His plans include closing the central bank, ditching the peso, and cutting spending, potentially painful reforms that resonated with voters angry at economic weakness, but fueled austerity fears in others.
“Milei is new, she’s a bit unknown and it’s a bit scary, but it’s time to turn a new chapter,” said 31-year-old restaurant worker Cristian when voting on Sunday.
But Milei’s challenge is huge.
He has to deal with empty government and central bank coffers, a $44 billion debt program with the International Monetary Fund, inflation approaching 150% and a dizzying array of capital controls.
Argentina chose libertarian outsider Javier Milei as its next president on November 19, 2023. AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko
With many Argentines not fully convinced by either candidate, some described the vote as a “lesser evil” choice: fear of Milei’s painful economic medicine versus anger at Massa and his Peronist party over the economic crisis that has left Argentina in debt. and unable to tap into the global credit market.
Milei is very popular among young people, who have grown up watching their country struggle from one crisis to another.
“Our generation is demanding Milei’s presidency to stop our country becoming a pariah,” said Agustina Lista, 22, a student in Buenos Aires.
Argentina’s Economy Minister Sergio Massa waves to supporters after agreeing to the election.AP Photo/Gustavo Garello
Milei’s victory shakes Argentina’s political landscape and economic roadmap, and could impact trade in grains, lithium and hydrocarbons. Milei has criticized China and Brazil, saying he will not deal with “communists,” and favors stronger US ties.
The surprising rise of the 53-year-old economist and former TV pundit has become the story of the election, breaking the hegemony of the two main political forces on the left and right — the Peronists and the main conservative bloc Together for Change.
“The election marks a deep split in the political representation system in Argentina,” said Julio Burdman, director of consultancy Observatorio Electoral, ahead of the vote.
Milei supporters gather outside her campaign headquarters in Buenos Aires.AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko
Supporters of Massa, 51, a seasoned political wheeler-dealer, have sought to appeal to voters’ concerns about Milei’s erratic character and “saw” plans to reduce the size of the state.
“Milei’s policies scare me,” said teacher Susana Martinez, 42, on Sunday after she voted for Massa.
Milei also strongly opposes abortion, favors looser gun laws and called Pope Francis of Argentina a socialist “bitch.” He used to carry a chainsaw as a symbol of his planned cuts but put it on hold in recent weeks to help boost his humble image.
After October’s first round of voting, Milei launched an uneasy alliance with the conservatives, which increased his support.
Milei supporters celebrate after the election results were announced. Photo by EMILIANO LASALVIA/AFP via Getty Images
But he faces a deeply divided Congress, with no single bloc holding a majority, meaning he will need support from other factions to push the legislation through.
The Milei coalition also has no provincial governor or mayor.
That might interfere with some of his more radical proposals. Long-suffering voters may have little patience, and the threat of social unrest is never far below the surface.
His supporters say only he can uproot the political status quo and economic recession that has plagued South America’s second-largest economy for years.
“Milei is the only viable option so that we don’t end up in misery,” said Santiago Neria, a 34-year-old accountant.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
