In a stunning political upset, right-wing populist Javier Milei has clinched victory in Argentina’s intensely polarized presidential election.
Pledging a seismic shake-up of the state, Javier’s campaign struck a chord with voters beleaguered by spiraling inflation and escalating poverty.
With a substantial 97.6% of votes accounted for in Sunday’s presidential runoff, Javier has carved out a commanding lead with 55.8% of the votes, leaving his opponent, Economy Minister Sergio Massa, trailing at 44.2%, as reported by Argentina’s electoral authority.
This margin of victory, surpassing all poll predictions and marking the largest since Argentina’s democratic restoration in 1983, underscores the profound public discontent.
The announcement of his victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Buenos Aires.
Supporters thronged outside Milei’s party headquarters, a hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires.
Massa, the flagbearer of the incumbent Peronist party, graciously conceded defeat and extended his congratulations to Milei. Known for his anarcho-capitalist leanings and often likened to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Milei has been a vocal critic of what he terms the “political caste”.
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The election outcome marks a significant political pivot to the right for Argentina, catapulting a political novice who gained popularity as a television commentator into the highest office.
Javier has pledged to drastically curtail the size of the state and rein in rampant inflation.
However, his victory has not been without controversy. His opponent’s campaign warned of the potential adverse effects of Milei’s policies, including threats to public services and welfare programs.
Despite these concerns, many voters saw Milei as the lesser of two evils in an election dominated by economic woes.
Lucas Romero, head of Synopsis, a local political consulting firm, attributed Javier’s victory to the public’s demand for change. “What is being expressed at the polls is the weariness, the fatigue, the protest vote of the majority of Argentinians,” he said.