Elected president of Argentina: Who is Javier Milei?

Javier Gerardo Milei was born on October 22, 1970, in Palermo, Buenos Aires. He is known not only for his political and economic views but also for his distinctive personal style and character, likened to Wolverine by his image consultant and ally, Lilia Lemoine. Lemoine, a cosplayer and congresswoman-elect, describes Milei as loyal, brave, and having a softer side, despite his aggressive public persona. His background is marked by a challenging childhood with parental abuse and schoolyard bullying, earning him the nickname "El Loco" (The Madman). He is the President-elect of Argentina and a prominent figure in the nation's economic and political discourse. As an economist, he is a staunch advocate of the Austrian School and has been vocal in his criticism of fiscal policies across various Argentine administrations. His call for reduced government spending and critique of the political elite reflects his economic philosophy. Milei has also made a mark as an academic, teaching subjects like macroeconomics and economic growth at universities for over two decades.

Politically, Milei is often described as a populist, right-wing libertarian, and ultraconservative, yet he identifies as a liberal libertarian, adhering to minarchist and anarcho-capitalist principles. His advocacy for abolishing the Central Bank of Argentina, favoring a dollarized economy, and overhauling fiscal policies, marks him as a distinctive figure in Argentine politics. Socially, he is known for his opposition to abortion, including in cases of rape, while supporting freedom of choice in other areas like drugs and marriage.

Milei's personal journey, from a challenging childhood in the Villa Devoto neighborhood to a career in economics sparked by the hyperinflation of 1989, underscores his resilience. He earned his economics degree from the University of Belgrano and two master's degrees, building a foundation for his later academic and political career. His personality and style, along with his controversial views on issues like sex education, COVID-19 vaccines, and climate change, have made him a polarizing yet influential figure in the public eye. Milei's eclectic interests extend beyond politics and economics. He was the lead singer of a Rolling Stones cover band and has a passion for opera, Bob Marley, and Verdi. His candidness on personal topics, such as his sexual habits, and his propensity for attention-grabbing, foul-mouthed outbursts have contributed to his fame and eventual political career. Elected to Congress in 2021 for the Libertad Avanza party, he capitalized on public discontent with Argentina's economic crisis to win the presidency.

Milei's radical ideas include legalizing the sale of human organs, slashing social spending, and downplaying the crimes of Argentina’s 1976-83 dictatorship. He has proposed cutting ties with major trade partners like Brazil and China, and plans to abolish Argentina’s central bank and dollarize the economy. Despite the controversy, many experts believe Milei may have to moderate his approach once in power due to his party's limited representation in the legislature.

His personal life reveals quirks like seeking inspiration from his five cloned mastiff dogs, named after economists. As Milei prepares to lead South America's second-largest economy, he promises drastic changes and a vision to make Argentina great again, mirroring Trump's rhetoric.