Milei sticks to his guns even if he looks crazy

Javier Milei, president of Argentina, continues to assert his dominance over the media, even as his statements and behavior seem increasingly erratic. Having recently returned from the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he quickly embarked on a series of media appearances and a business delegation in Paris for 'Argentina Week.' As he advocates for his re-election, Milei promotes a world of prosperity that seems at odds with recent economic data.

His most sensational claim involves the expulsion of 30,000 "terrorists" and their plan to "put dynamite to the Argentine model," alongside accusations of seven attempted coups and 40 attempts to undermine his budget surplus. The opposition is blamed for these alleged acts, and Milei insists that the media and politicians are spreading falsehoods.

The information around Milei's mental state has been widely speculated upon, particularly given his reported isolation and conflicts with his chief-of-staff. Milei attributes his emotional support to his sister, Karina, whom he considers indispensable. In recent appearances, Milei's physical appearance, including weight gain and casual attire, has drawn attention, indicating a disconnect between his public image and the economic challenges faced by the country.

While Milei credits external factors, such as the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and geopolitical tensions, for economic conditions, his assessment of the economy is optimistic, despite data suggesting otherwise. His administration faces criticism over a contracting economy, rising unemployment, and increased poverty, alongside a declining country-risk premium rating.

Milei's approach to the upcoming presidential campaign is already underway, with his direct communication style appealing to his base but potentially alienating potential investors. His economic performance has been compared to that of previous presidents like Mauricio Macri and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. However, his current approval ratings have fallen to the lowest levels of his tenure, trailing behind the approval of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner at the same stage of their presidencies.

Polls reveal a significant gap between the public perception of Milei's administration and factors like trust, efficiency, and honesty. While he is credited with lowering inflation, his policies, such as "chainsaw austerity," are perceived negatively by many. Socioeconomic demographics also show a preference for Milei among certain groups, yet his overall performance lags behind expectations.