The New Era Milei

Social networks are, again, on fire due to the presidential elections in Argentina. There are two main sides, one is celebrating the new head of state, while the other predicts dark days are looming. None will understand the other side reasons, or none wants to. They sometimes look obsessed, aggressive, ignoring the previous history, demonizing the left to the point of approving a politician showcasing a fascist image, unable to rationally discuss any subject.

I saw Javier Milei for the first time a few months ago. He looked not only rude but crazy. I was even afraid of his cold, heavy look, his blue eyes framed between his arched eyebrows, his frenzy smile showing piranha-like teeth, but above all, his behavior was very distant to the one a politician should embrace, unstable. He looked like a popular market vendor after his yelling and lacking decency.

I then asked myself how any person could feel a preference for Milei’s proposal who projected structural changes, especially in the economy. And that is not bad, but it is not good to particularize but rather to look at the whole. How can it be good to erase previous social achievements that affect the majority? I am referring to abortion, sexual education in schools, aspects that not only demonstrate his position that is too conservative, distant from these times, but, in addition, he also denies global warming and applauds the free gun ownership, among other aberrant ideas.

However, I quickly realized he was the one to be chosen. Milei, despite his violent, sometimes incongruous speech, was not the dreamed election. However, the Argentines, as I read and hear, sick of crisis, inflation and promises, preferred a different alternative, although it is not proven it may entail a change. At this moment they do not care about if it is going to work; they simply reject what they already know. They look like children with tantrums voting for the unknown.

We already know the result. Milei won by a big margin. And the country is divided between tantrum, crying and euphoria. Some believe that the dictatorship that killed so many people in the 70s and 80s is back, sad times that are not so distant, but rather latent, bleeding in society. Argentina has not yet been able to close this chapter of misfortune, injustice and impunity in many cases. And others are celebrating democracy, the opportunity for economic growth at whatever cost.

So far, Milei perhaps does meet some people's expectations of change, at least superficially by projecting himself as vulgar in his way of behaving and expressing himself —although I do not know if these people mean it for real. We have watched him speak without empathy about his family, about his own parents, about his privacy, about women in a derogatory way, and about many aspects that border on immorality and lack of ethics in an unhealthy way. We have witnessed a despotic, offensive, extremist, imposing Milei.

Let’s remember that in times of Covid-19, he was against the vaccination campaign that saved numerous lives. He has denied the disappeared during dictatorship, and supported the sale of human organs, and of children. Likewise, due to his short temper, he has had difference with the media. Therefore, he has been reported. He is a controversial man.

As an economist, his promises have to do with radical reforms. For example, cutting taxes and public spending, and that will surely take its toll on social projects, considering his aversion to socialism. Another issue that he spoke about was closing the Central Bank of Argentina and not only dollarizing society more, but also replacing the local currency with the American one. Many probably believe that this is the solution to prosperity, but this is rather a very dangerous subject.

Next December 10^th, a new era will begin in Argentina. We will be watching each political movement, speech and financial strategy. I hope the promised change does not take Argentine to the abyss and Milei shows us that the first impression is not always valid. Let’s hope his voters do not have to endure four years of disappointment just to increase revenues.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff