Argentina’s president-elect, Milei, has announced his plans to privatize state-run media outlets that he believes negatively covered his campaign, labeling them a “covert ministry of propaganda.” In addition, he aims to privatize the state-controlled energy firm YPF after it undergoes repairs to benefit the people of Argentina. Milei’s overarching goal is to transfer as much as possible to the private sector, including slashing government spending and eliminating key ministries such as health and education.
Milei has been compared to former US President Donald Trump and is viewed as a crusader against global socialism, with a determination to remove corrupt politicians from the government. Before taking office, Milei plans to visit the United States and Israel, emphasizing his support for Israel and expressing his desire to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem.
Supporters of Milei celebrated outside his headquarters, proudly waving Argentine flags alongside Gadsden flags, symbolizing his movement. Even former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro congratulated Milei on his victory and pledged his support.
Milei’s victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape, as he is the first outsider to reach the presidency in Argentina and is considerably more right-wing than his predecessors. This choice reflects the discontent among Argentines towards the ruling class and the status quo, leading them to trust an untested candidate with power.
Milei’s rise to power began with his television stardom and a seat in Congress, initially making his presidential bid appear as a sideshow. However, his campaign primarily focused on economic proposals, blaming past administrations for excessive money printing and advocating for state spending cuts.
While his opponent warned that Milei’s plans could jeopardize public services, Milei assured voters that he would not privatize education, healthcare, or soccer clubs. This victory suggests that voters disagreed with the concerns surrounding his proposals and demanded change.
Interestingly, Milei’s positions align with conservative Republicans in the United States in several areas, including opposition to sex education, feminist policies, abortion, and denial of human-caused climate change. This rhetoric has now inserted Argentina into the global culture war, similar to what has been witnessed in the US and Brazil.
In conclusion, Milei’s upcoming presidency brings a wave of privatization and a break from the establishment in Argentina. With comparisons to Trump and a strong stance against socialism, only time will tell if Milei’s policies can truly bring the desired change to the country.
