What Milei can learn from elections in Brazil and United States
Milei has spent most of 2026 in denial about the economic problems facing many Argentines, including a lot of the voters who backed him in 2023. Leer más
Elections in Brazil and the United States have not gone as President Javier Milei anticipated. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a surprising comeback in the second round, while Flávio Bolsonaro left the country, and Donald Trump suffered in the midterms, entering a weakened period. However, these elections also provided valuable lessons for Milei as he prepares for his re-election bid.
Brazil's outcome demonstrates that incumbents can win, despite a pattern of opposition victories in the region. Lula used Bolsonaro's fear as a narrative tool, which could be a strategy Milei should consider. Meanwhile, Trump's weakened position in the midterms mirrors the situation that helped Milei in Argentina's 2025 midterms.
The key takeaway for Milei is the gap between narrative and reality, a crucial factor in voter sentiment. Trump's repeated claims that he had made America great again, while fuel prices rose, led to disappointment among voters. Milei, who has downplayed economic issues, must address the "affordability crisis" faced by many Argentines.
His administration has taken initial steps, such as connecting small businesses with large projects under the RIGI pro-investment program, but more needs to be done to improve living standards.
Milei's sister, Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, recently acknowledged the government's efforts to create a "win-win" equation for businesses. While this approach is sensible, it contrasts with Milei's previous statements about businesses unable to adapt to global competition. Despite some timid progress, more steps are needed to bridge the gap between speech and reality.
Peronists in Argentina are also learning from the Brazilian and US elections. Former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and presidential candidate Sergio Massa have sought advice from Lula's digital campaign experts. The Peronists should focus on overcoming internal leadership battles and developing a solid digital strategy, rather than simply copying Lula's model.
The Peronists would benefit from observing the US Democratic Party's internal divisions and the rise of rising stars in their faction, unlike the Peronists who lack such emerging leaders.
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.
