Javier Milei: Argentina's radical outsider-turned-president

Like the majority of Argentinians, Milei comes from a Catholic background. But he recently joined a religious movement for non-Jews following Biblical teachings called Noah's Witnesses". This is a notable aspect of the new president's varied identity. He desires to be recognised as Argentina's first Jewish president.

His admiration for Israel is clear and he proposes to relocate the Argentine embassy to Jerusalem — a significant shift from its current position in the less politically resonant Israeli city of Herzliya. It showcases his unconventional approach and willingness to challenge traditional norms in Argentine politics.

Papal provocation

Milei's political and public persona is characterised by a history of provocative actions and statements that capture attention and stir controversy.

Before his election, Milei made incendiary remarks against Pope Francis – also an Argentinian – labelling him a "communist" and a "representative of Satan on earth." This aggressive stance towards such a prominent figure reflects his inclination toward shock value and dissent.

During the campaign, Milei softened his rhetoric against the Pope. Following his victory, there was a notable shift in their relationship. Pope Francis congratulated Milei, who, in turn, invited the Pope to visit Argentina.

Eccentric student

Milei's penchant for attention-grabbing theatrics dates back to his youth. At school, he stood out with eccentric behaviour designed to amuse his classmates and deter bullies, and he carried this approach into various roles.

When playing football as a goalkeeper, he was known for making unusual movements on the field to amuse onlookers. When performing as a musician, he channelled the energetic persona of Mick Jagger, further solidifying his reputation for showmanship.

It all combined to create his nickname, with El Loco sticking with him through the stages of his life to become the title of a recent biography.

Unquestionably one of the most distinctive figures in Argentine politics, his rise to the presidency in an unconventional and often controversial journey has fascinated the public.

Economics and insults

Milei, an economist by training, taught at various universities and embraced the Austrian School of the discipline, which is sceptical of economics as an exact science, seeing economic thought as driven by subjective individualism.

This perspective distinguishes it from classical and Keynesian economics. Milei's philosophy is deeply rooted in libertarianism, a political ideology from the US that views freedom of choice as paramount and advocates minimal, or even zero, intervention or regulation over market forces.

Such is Milei's belief in small government and his distaste for regulation that he goes as far as to identify himself as an "anarcho-capitalist".

Political scientists are divided in the labels they prefer for him. Some call him a vocal liberal-conservative, while others see him as an extreme right-wing populist.

Milei aligns with positions often associated with the far right in the US, including climate change denial, anti-abortion stances, and advocating for public gun ownership. He once proposed allowing trade in human organs in the name of freedom but later retracted this idea.

He labels anyone disagreeing with him as a communist. After his election, he received congratulatory messages from former presidents – Donald Trump of the US and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil. And his inauguration last month became a significant gathering of far-right figures from the Americas and Europe.

TV persona and death-defying dogs

Milei gained public attention nearly a decade ago as a TV commentator on economics, known for his dishevelled hair and leather jacket.

His confrontational style was marked by loud interruptions, clashes with journalists and guests, and insults towards politicians. It initially surprised viewers but built up a following, leading to wider and regular appearances on TV and radio.

In all his ventures, including political festivals, Milei demonstrated his singing ability, enhanced by his melodious voice and engaging blue eyes. A particularly unique aspect of his persona was his continued connection to his late dog, Conan, who passed away in 2017.

Milei claimed to communicate with Conan through a medium. Taking his attachment further, he had Conan cloned four times by a US company, costing him $50,000. These cloned dogs, each whimsically named after a famous economist, added an eccentric touch to his already colourful character.

Anti-vaccine

Leveraging his media fame, Milie entered the political arena during the pandemic. Championing individual freedom, he opposed vaccination drives and social distancing mandates and organised protests that drew hundreds.

In 2021, he established a political coalition named "La Libertad Avanza", or Freedom Advances, comprising his Partido Libertario and several smaller groups.

He and his alliance members contested in parliamentary elections, securing two seats in the capital—one for Milie and the other for his vice president, Victoria Villaruel, who has ties to the infamous military dictatorship that governed Argentina in the 1970s and 1980s.

Milie often began his speeches at political events with, "I am not here to lead the sheep, but to save the lions." The coalition's flag features a yellow background and a lion at its centre, symbolising Milie's distinctive hair.

His objectives were clear: El Loco aimed to disrupt the entire political class. He even created a superhero alter ego named "General AnCap," short for "anarcho-capitalist."

Milie openly expressed disdain for two prominent figures in Argentine politics: the radical President Irigoyen and the centrist President Peron, known for shaping the Argentine state and advocating for the working class. Their party has dominated Argentine politics for over a century, with few interruptions aside from military dictatorships.

Saw eyes power

In the last election, Milei brandished an electric saw to symbolise his commitment to dismantling the central bank, downsizing the state, and cutting public spending.

The initial round saw a fierce contest between Milei and the serving minister for the economy, Sergio Massa, the Peronist candidate. There was also Patricia Bullrich, a former interior minister and the representative of the traditional conservative opposition.

Milei's entry as a serious contender altered the dynamics of the conventional political battle. He levied unprecedented accusations and insults at his rivals, effectively capitalising on the enduring economic crisis each had overseen during their tenures.

Milei successfully attracted supporters from diverse demographics: middle-class voters typically opposed to Peronism, a significant portion of impoverished Peronist constituents, and a steadfast young voter base unfamiliar with the detested military dictatorship that ended 40 years ago. These young supporters were particularly active in mobilising for Milei and disseminating his ideas on social media.

Coalition of support

Although his results were lower than anticipated, Milei advanced to the second round of the election, trailing the Peronist candidate Sergio Massa by about six percentage points. In a strategic move, he swiftly negotiated a deal with a segment of the traditional liberal opposition backed by former conservative president Mauricio Macri and his candidate, Bullrich.

Milei promised them significant roles in his potential administration. Despite reservations about Milei's character, they viewed partnering with him as a rare opportunity to challenge Peronism significantly.

Meanwhile, the other faction of the opposition, particularly the radicals, chose to remain neutral. When the votes were counted, it became evident that Macri's gamble had paid off. Milei made impressive gains, winning in 20 of the 24 states and securing over 55% of the vote – the highest percentage for a president since the return of democracy.

This result surpassed even that of Peronist President Cristina Kirchner, who received just over 54% in her second term in 2011. Milei declared himself "the first Libertarian president in history", marking a significant shift in the political landscape.

A race against time

Whatever his mix of eccentricity and astuteness, Milei's future hinges on the evolving economic situation.

Capitalising on the weakened state of his opponents, notably the Peronist movement, which, despite being the leading minority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, lacks the initiative to counter him effectively, Milei is swiftly implementing his agenda.

Swapping his electric saw for a pen, he's inundating the country with decrees, laws, and radical reforms to establish his vision for the state. This includes drastically shrinking its size, an extensive privatisation programme and the deregulation of various sectors.

Milei understands his election was less about his economic plans and more a response to the country's severe crisis, marked by hyperinflation of 160%. In comparison, 40% of people live below the poverty line, and 10% in extreme poverty. His image as a stark antithesis to the ruling class and a symbol of frustration in society widened his diverse electoral base.

Argentina's crisis is profound. It is also grappling with a large balance of payments deficit and high external debt. Milei frequently exaggerates the severity of the situation and uses it to justify his radical policies.

Now, as the dominant political force, he advocates shock therapy as the only solution to the dire legacy he inherited, cautioning that conditions will worsen before improving.

But Milei faces significant hurdles: constitutional limits, a legislature where his support is limited to 10% of representatives and 15% of senators, and potential judicial challenges to his policies.

The new president is counting on his new political allies and those drawn to the allure of power to establish a new ruling majority. This strategy also includes courting state governors who might depend on central authority.

He has bigger problems to address. The judiciary will rule on challenges over his policies being unconstitutional. Unions are already calling for a general strike later this month, and protests against restrictions on the freedom to demonstrate pose a formidable obstacle.

Milei has requested extraordinary legislative powers until the end of his term. He is prepared to call a popular referendum to overcome any opposition. Yet, as time progresses, responsibility for issues initially blamed on his predecessors will increasingly fall on him.

Public opinion could turn

If inflation continues to rise and the living standards of the middle and lower classes worsen rather than improve, public opinion could turn. There's concern that Milei, after forming alliances with certain political groups, might be perceived as favouring the political elite or enriching a wealthy minority at the expense of the broader population.

The current sentiment is volatile and could shift again, with early indicators suggesting potential unrest. The situation is notably unclear, as the ongoing developments are extraordinary.

The crucial question for the upcoming months is whether Argentina's gamble on an unconventional leader like Milei will lead it further into crisis or help it emerge from its current predicament.