Argentina's new far-right president, Javier Milei, often called "Chainsaw Man" and compared to Donald Trump, plans to slash government, kill the central bank, and ditch the national currency. Natalie Alcoba, a Buenos Aires-based freelance journalist, explains who Milei is, how he won, and what his presidency means for Argentina's economic crisis.
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Quick takeaways
Argentina's new president, Javier Milaid, is a controversial far-right economist who plans to slash government, kill the central bank, and ditch the national currency.
Milaid's victory reflects a desire for change in Argentina's devastating economic crisis, but there are concerns about his social policies and potential threats to civil liberties and human rights.
Deep dives
Javier Milaid: Argentina's Political Outsider
Javier Milaid, a self-professed libertarian and controversial economist, has been elected as Argentina's next president amidst the country's economic crisis. Milaid is known for his radical far-right views and plans for extreme government cuts, privatization of state companies, and the end of Argentina's central bank and currency. His appeal extends beyond young people to conservative establishment figures and individuals disillusioned with the traditional political cast. Milaid's victory has generated both excitement among his supporters and fear among human rights groups and those concerned about the impact on social issues. The question remains whether his ambitious economic promises can be accomplished given the need to form coalitions in Congress.
Argentina's Economic Crisis
Argentina is facing one of the worst economic crises in decades, marked by high inflation, poverty, and a devalued peso. The country has a history of boom and bust cycles, with periods of hyperinflation and economic volatility. Previous attempts to address inflation through pegging the currency to the dollar resulted in a banking system collapse and government default. The current crisis, worsened by the pandemic, has led to growing frustration with the political system and a desire for change among the population.
The Political Landscape in Argentina
Argentina has a history of political polarization and swings between right-wing and left-wing governments. The Peronist movement, rooted in ideas around the working class, has shaped Argentine politics over the decades. The country has also struggled with human rights abuses during military rule and economic challenges, such as debt and hyperinflation. The election of Javier Milaid reflects a desire for something different and an appetite for an outsider who promises to break away from the established political cast. However, there are concerns about his social policies, as well as potential threats to civil liberties and human rights.
Known as “Chainsaw Man”, “El Loco” and “The Wig”, Argentina’s new far-right president is a controversial economist that’s often compared to Donald Trump. And he’s promised to slash government, kill the central bank and ditch the national currency.
So, who is Javier Milei? How did the self-described libertarian manage to win? And what does his presidency mean for Argentina’s devastating economic crisis?
Buenos Aires-based freelance journalist Natalie Alcoba explains.
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