By Benedikt Hornung
Edited by Nico Herrlett & Gigi Kordula
Buenos Aires, Argentina – In a surprising turn of events, Argentina elected the enigmatic far-right libertarian, Javier Milei, as its president, ushering in an era of uncertainty and, potentially, radical change. The charismatic anti-establishment figure secured a decisive victory with 55.7 per cent of the votes. Amid economic turmoil, high inflation, and social unrest, Milei's proposals represent a significant shift in Argentina's political landscape, offering to markedly address economic challenges and poverty.
© Reuters
A Revolutionary Reconstruction or Perilous Waters?
Milei, a charismatic TV celebrity known for his flamboyant style and controversial ideas, has pledged to bring about "drastic changes" to address Argentina's economic challenges.
From abolishing the central bank to dollarising the economy and eliminating ministries, Milei's promises have both excited and alarmed the nation. Having Argentina grappling with staggering inflation and widespread poverty, supporters see his victory as a triumph for change, while critics express reservations about the untested and radical nature of his proposals.
Argentina's Economic Odyssey: From Wealth to Turmoil and the Rise of Milei
Argentina, once hailed as one of the wealthiest nations in the world, witnessed a gradual decline in the latter half of the twentieth century, culminating in a series of economic crises.
In the late 1990s, Argentina faced a severe economic downturn, resulting in a financial meltdown in 2001, with the country defaulting on its debt, an event considered one of the largest sovereign debt defaults in history.
The fallout from this crisis led to large-scale unemployment, social unrest, and a loss of faith in traditional political structures.
The subsequent years saw Argentina grappling with inflation, currency devaluation, and a rollercoaster of economic policies in an attempt to stabilise the nation's finances.
Economic turbulence persisted into the 21st century, with inflation rates soaring and poverty levels escalating, with the latter reaching more than 40 per cent in the first half of 2023.
The central bank's dwindling reserves and recurring challenges in managing the Argentine peso further intensified the economic woes, as the domestic central bank struggled to maintain a stable monetary policy.
The scars of previous crises have left a lasting mark on the collective consciousness, influencing the receptiveness of the population to unorthodox solutions.
While supporters view Milei's ideas as a beacon of hope for breaking free from the shackles of economic despair, critics express concerns about the potential risks associated with untested and extreme policies.
The stark reality of economic challenges, with inflation surpassing one hundred per cent, has created fertile ground for Milei's message to resonate, especially among the youth who have known little else but economic instability.
The Youthquake: Young Voters Propel Milei to Victory
Hernán Stuchi, a 29-year-old former left-wing activist, represents a growing trend among the young who have shifted their allegiance to Milei. His journey from left-wing ideology to supporting the far-right libertarian mirrors a broader paradigm shift among the youth.
These young Argentinians, who, disillusioned by economic hardship, pandemic-era restrictions, and recent progressive wins, found resonance in Milei's anti-establishment rhetoric.
Before October's round of voting, polls indicated that almost 50 per cent of voters aged 29 and younger backed Milei. This surprising surge in youth support distinguishes Milei from far-right leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro, who faced resistance from younger demographics in their recent re-election bids.
Economic Crisis and Radical Solutions: Milei's Controversial Agenda
Milei's proposed solutions to curb excessive inflation and a worsening economic crisis include abolishing the central bank, dollarising the economy, liberalising gun ownership, and allowing the sale of organs.
His rhetoric, symbolised by wielding a chainsaw at rallies, calls for slashing public spending and dismantling safety nets, portraying a vision of a minimalist state focused primarily on homeland security.
Milei's signature proposal to curb inflation—dollarisation—faces scepticism from experts who deem it likely unworkable. If the nation is substituting its currency for the U.S. dollar, it imports a more credible monetary policy from the United States, attempting to boost trust in the local currency.
Young voters, however, appear willing to "press the red button and let everything blow up" in the hope of a radical change that transcends the agony of the current economic malaise.
Cultural Backlash and Social Media Influence
Milei's rise is also seen as a reaction against progressive policies, such as the legalisation of abortion and advancements in gender equality. His predominantly male youth support, coupled with a rejection of gender-related issues, signals a cultural backlash against recent progressive wins in Argentina.
The role of social media, particularly TikTok and YouTube, cannot be understated in amplifying Milei's message. His unorthodox appearances and anti-establishment stance found a receptive audience among young people, fostering a social media ecosystem that propelled Milei to unprecedented reach.
Global Reactions: Trump, Bolsonaro, and Musk
Milei's victory has not gone unnoticed beyond Argentina's borders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, drawing parallels with his own political journey, congratulated Milei, foreseeing a turnaround for the nation. Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro celebrated the outcome, expressing hope for a renewed spark in South America.
Even tech mogul Elon Musk joined the chorus, predicting prosperity for Argentina. The global far-right appears emboldened by this unexpected triumph, prompting speculation about potential political, economic, and societal shifts in the regional discourse.
Polarised Responses: Lula's Caution and Bukele's Irony
While Milei's victory found resonance among like-minded leaders, Brazil’s leftwing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, approached the outcome with caution.
Colombia's Gustavo Petro lamented the victory for the extreme right, highlighting the polarised reactions Milei's leadership has generated. El Salvador's Nayib Bukele responded with irony, underlining the divisive nature of this political earthquake.
The Uncertain Road Ahead: Governing Challenges and Social Unrest
Despite Milei's victory, significant challenges loom on the horizon. With his party holding a limited number of seats in Congress, Milei faces the daunting task of navigating legislative hurdles.
The lack of governing experience and the absence of allies in key positions pose large obstacles to enacting his radical economic reforms.
The potential for social unrest and clashes with powerful unions and social movements adds a layer of uncertainty to Milei's presidency. As Argentina enters uncharted territory, questions linger about the viability of his extreme proposals and their impact on the nation's already fragile stability.
Argentina at a Crossroads
Javier Milei's victory represents more than a change in leadership; it marks a transformative moment for Argentina, especially for its youth. The nation stands at a crossroads, torn between the promises of radical change and the uncertainties that accompany untested ideologies.
As Milei assumes office, the world watches closely, awaiting the outcome of an experiment that could reshape Argentina's destiny and influence the broader political landscape of South America.
Sources: AP News, BBC, Reuters, The Guardian, Vox
Written by Benedikt Hornung
December 2023
Following the Author's explanation in Instagram: Dear Benedikt,
Thank You for Your kind reply. I highly appreciate Your time and detailed explanation. However, I am not convinced for the following reasons.
The first comes from the very definition of radical conservatism (or, to be more precise, ultraconservatism):
Elements of ultraconservatism typically rely on cultural crisis; they frequently support anti-globalism – adopting stances of anti-immigration, nationalism and sovereignty.
From the historical point of view, You could classify Conservative Revolution movement in Germany of the 1920s (represented by such notable historical figures and philosophers as Oswald Spengler, Ernst Jünger, Carl Schmitt and Thomas Mann at some point) as an example of ultraconservatism. At least, its elements were very obvious in Spengler's works…
Definition of the Far-right in Wikipedia: Far-right politics refers to a spectrum of political thought that tends to be radically conservative, ultra-nationalist, and authoritarian, often also including nativist tendencies. My question to the author is: Are there any "ultra-nationalist", "authoritarian" or "nativist" tendencies in Milei's views and proposals? Javier Milei is a libertarian liberal. Definition of libertarianism: Libertarianism is a political philosophy that upholds liberty as a core value. Libertarians seek to maximize autonomy and political freedom. My question to the author is: How can You equate Nazism and Fascism with Libertarianism?! This is not politically correct. The Far-right wants to oppress and bring serfdom, the Libertarians want to free and bring liberty. But You are describing proponents of bot…