Argentina has elected a new president – and he’s a hardcore libertarian. If the headlines from the major mainstream press are accurate, he’s also “far-right,” a “populist,” a “reactionary,” and “like Trump.”
The South American country has been dealing with significant economic turmoil, particularly inflation nearing 150%; the new president is also an economist.
Fox News reported Sunday night:
In his victory speech, President Milei warned that changes must come immediately:
Javier Milei victory speech:
“Today begins the reconstruction of Argentina. The situation is critical. The changes our country needs is drastic. There is no time for gradualism.” pic.twitter.com/sc3f37e1u9
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 20, 2023
Trump Congratulates Milei
Many have compared Milei’s brand of libertarian populism to Trump’s ‘America First’ populism in the United States, and the 45th President saw fit to congratulate Argentina’s new president-elect after his victory was announced.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
Argentinians partied in the streets Sunday to celebrate Milei’s victory.
Conservative pundit Charlie Kirk shared a video, writing, “The streets of Argentina are FILLED with celebrations as Javier Milei is elected the next president of Argentina—like an occupied people cheering the arrival of a liberating army.”
JUST IN—The streets of Argentina are FILLED with celebrations as Javier Milei is elected the next president of Argentina—like an occupied people cheering the arrival of a liberating army. pic.twitter.com/GbF5JDUYjm
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 20, 2023
There were many happy people – including one little boy who was overcome with emotion after he got a big hug from Milei.
‘They waved Argentine flags and the yellow Gadsden flag’
The Associated Press reported of the scene on Election Day, “In the streets of Buenos Aires, drivers honked their horns and many took to the streets to celebrate in several neighborhoods. Outside Milei’s party headquarters, a hotel in downtown Buenos Aires, a full-on party kicked off with supporters singing, buying beers from vendors and setting off colored smoke bombs. They waved Argentine flags and the yellow Gadsden flag, emblazoned with the words “Don’t Tread On Me,” which Milei’s movement has adopted.”
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also congratulated Milei:
Just a century ago, Argentina was one of the ten wealthiest countries in the world. Today’s Argentina suffers 124% inflation & loses economic migrants to other countries. Congratulations to Javier Milei. Now the hard part begins. May the spirits of Mises & Hayek be with you.
Just a century ago, Argentina was one of the ten wealthiest countries in the world. Today’s Argentina suffers 124% inflation & loses economic migrants to other countries. Congratulations to Javier Milei. Now the hard part begins. May the spirits of Mises & Hayek be with you. pic.twitter.com/UVZVcZtI1e
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 20, 2023
The First Libertarian President Ever
Ramaswamy was citing Austrian economists – the same school of economic thought Milei champions – and libertarian icons Ludwig Von Mises and Fredrick Hayek.
Another Fox News headline blared, “Javier Milei crushes Argentine left, becomes world’s first libertarian head of state.”
Javier Melei’s victory is certainly a first in world history, and his administration will be closely watched by libertarians across the world.
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