Economist Podcasts Poll vault: Argentina’s Peronist surprise
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Oct 23, 2023 
Ana Lánquez, a Latin America correspondent for The Economist, joins Anton LaGuardia, the diplomatic editor, and Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, to unpack Argentina's surprising election results amid a turbulent economy. They discuss how Sergio Massa outshone expectations against Javier Milei's radical proposals and the factors driving voter behavior. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise of state-sponsored assassinations, tackling moral dilemmas and international implications. Lastly, they reflect on the life of Ofir Libstein, revealing the human story behind political turmoil.
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Argentina's Election Surprise
- Javier Milei, a right-wing libertarian, unexpectedly trailed the Peronist candidate, Sergio Massa, in Argentina's presidential election.
- Milei's radical proposals, like dollarizing the economy, contrasted with the Peronist's left-wing populism.
Massa's Unlikely Success
- Sergio Massa's lead is surprising given Argentina's economic woes, including soaring inflation under his tenure as economy minister.
- His success suggests voters prioritize other factors or fear Milei's drastic changes.
Argentina's Economic Cycle
- Argentina's recurring economic crises stem from a lack of political consensus on basic economic policies.
- Peronist administrations often print money to finance deficits, while center-right governments borrow heavily, leading to inflation or high debt.