To say that Javier Milei is controversial would be an understatement. Argentina’s new president has described himself as a proud “anarcho-capitalist”, and is the first ever leader to do so. Milei was elected last year by an Argentine populace suffering through the largest economic crisis the country has faced in decades, with inflation in the triple digits and rapid economic decline. So, how have his radical policies begun to take shape, and how does Argentina’s future look?
When Milei was first elected, he boldly declared that “there is no money” in Argentina’s coffers, arguing that “there is no possible alternative to [fiscal] adjustment. There is no room for discussion between shock and gradualism”. While some in Argentina may have their doubts, partially due to the historical results of such shock elsewhere (the rise of an uber-rich elite), Milei’s characteristic brand of populism and his frequent attacks on the political “caste” have proven themself not just limited to rhetoric. One of the president’s first acts was to sign an executive order disbanding nine of the government’s eighteen ministries. One viral video captures the suddenness of this “Chainsaw Plan”, picturing Milei ripping labels for different ministries off of a whiteboard.
All is most certainly not well as other changes have met resistance. Milei unveiled a decree in December that sparked nationwide protests. The policies began a move toward the privatization of state-owned enterprises and stripped away certain worker protections, such as maternity leave. This comes after devaluing the Argentine Peso by over 50% and ending all public works projects. The changes have come quickly, with barely a month having passed since Milei’s inauguration, and to do so, Milei has controversially bypassed congress, where his policies would likely not have passed. His opponents argue that Milei has irreversibly damaged Argentina’s democratic institutions, but supporters argue that he has a mandate from the people and needs to address the current crisis without delay.
While past changes have already been controversial, Milei has nearly another four years to shake up the Argentine political landscape. The question many are asking is this: will Argentina be recognizable when Milei leaves office, and how will future Argentines reflect upon the period of 2023-2027?
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