The domestication of Javier Milei
What happened to Milei, the outsider? Was he converted or domesticated by the political ecosystem? Did he change when faced with the opportunity to accumulate power and personal wealth? Leer más
The Argentine President, Javier Milei, is a controversial figure who has garnered significant attention due to his unique political ideology and controversial statements. Milei, who serves as the head of the La Libertad Avanza coalition, is an anarcho-capitalist libertarian who aims to eradicate the state. Despite facing multiple accusations of impropriety and being under pressure, Milei has managed to retain a large following, making him one of the most attractive political options in Argentina.
Milei's administration has pushed forth with an orthodox austerity plan, attempting to artificially hold back the value of the US dollar, which has generated a wealth effect for the upper classes. However, this has resulted in unemployment and rising prices among the general population, making it difficult for them to make ends meet. The government has also jumped on the Malvinas issue, despite it being somewhat contradictory ideologically, in order to generate support for their policies.
Despite his eccentric personality and hyperbolic bouts of anger, Milei's popularity stems from his outsider status and his promise to "torch the Central Bank and dollarize the economy." He has gained notoriety for his aggressive debating on cable news shows, where he lectures on Austrian economic theory as if it were a revealed truth. Milei's libertarianism has also made him a staunch critic of the lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has further fueled his public image and support.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.