PRESIDENTIAL IN ARGENTINA

TWO DIAMETRALLY OPPOSED CANDIDATES ARRIVE IN THE FIRST ROUND

Javier Milei as an outsider.

In the current presidential campaign, Javier Milei stands out as an outsider. This trained economist became known thanks to his columns on Argentine television. Two years ago, he achieved an electoral breakthrough during the partial legislative elections in Buenos Aires, obtaining 17% of the vote. Nicknamed “El Loco” (“the madman”), Javier Milei is an atypical public figure. He named his dogs after liberal economists and reportedly used a psychic to make policy decisions.

Deeply reform the State.

While Argentines are exhausted by over-indebtedness and rising prices, Javier Milei, 53, highlights his training in economics and proposes shock measures. He advocates significant tax cuts, the flexibilisation of labor laws, privatizations and the abolition of social assistance. Javier Milei has the “paternalistic state” in his sights.

This “chainsaw plan”, as he calls it, must put an end to social justice, which he considers “synonymous with budget deficit”. A radical speech, even as Argentina struggles to get its head above water, with inflation hovering around 140% in 2023. If elected, Javier Milei has promised to “dollarize” the economy Argentina, ensuring that this would break the rise in prices.

Self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist", he describes himself as libertarian, with a libertarian touch. He thus says he is opposed to abortion, but envisages a market for the sale of organs.

He quickly gained popularity thanks to his bold ideas and incisive, sometimes insulting language. During his rallies, he urges his voters "Let them all go, so that there is not one left!", he chants during his meetings, where he promises to clear "with blows kick in the ass" the "political caste which parasitizes" Argentina. Self-designating as "anarcho-capitalist", he defines himself as libertarian.

Javier Milei is also a showman. During his rallies, he describes himself as "the lion" who will save Argentina, referring to his tousled hairstyle, and chanting his provocative slogan:

“Long live freedom, damn it!” He promises to restore Argentina to its status as a "world power" and to make the country a "promised land" of emigration, like the beginning of the 20th century. This quest for a “rediscovered greatness” recalls the admiration he has expressed on several occasions for Donald Trump. In the past, Javier Milei was also a footballer and a rock singer, elements that he highlights on social networks to boost his popularity.

In the midst of an inflationary crisis with a price increase of 138% in one year, the "anti-system" candidate who wishes to put an end to "social justice" maintains a solid chance of winning the election.

Economy Minister Sergio Massa, heir to Peronism

On the other hand, his opponent Sergio Massa places the economy at the center of his program, seeking to strengthen public companies. Having previously granted numerous budgetary expenditures to mitigate the impact of inflation, the centrist candidate must now defend his record. He undertakes to increase the trade balance surplus, to repay the debt contracted with the International Monetary Fund, and to restore fiscal order.

Positioning himself above political divisions, Sergio Massa aspires to be the candidate of unity. After the announcement of the results, he promised to form a "government of national unity", thus opening the door to alliances on the left and the right. He appeals to all those who share democratic values.

As for Javier Milei, he reaches out to the center-right coalition which obtained 23.6% of the vote, declaring: "Let's work together to change our country."

The outcome of the election remains uncertain, and the second round is scheduled for November 19.

It remains to be seen how voters who did not vote for the two main candidates will influence the outcome, with Sergio Massa having a reserve of votes on the left, but potentially needing to gain votes from the traditional right side that his appeal appeals to rival.