The inauguration of Javier Milei has Argentina wondering what president it will get
NPR Online NewsNov 30, 2023
Argentina: Javier Milei Warns of Economic Shock in Inaugural Address
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The Facts
After being sworn in as Argentina’s president on Sunday, Javier Milei delivered his inaugural address, warning the country about the economic shock that his administration will deliver. The libertarian economist said that "there is no money" and "there is no alternative to austerity."
Thousands of Milei's supporters gathered in the capital city of Buenos Aires to celebrate the inauguration. Addressing the nation, Milei reiterated his policy to address Argentina's dire economic concerns and continued to speak bluntly about the issues he spoke about often during his campaign.
The Spin
Right narrative
Argentina made the correct choice in picking Javier Milei as the leader to lift the country out of its economic disaster; however, the road to economic prosperity is long and arduous. There is no quick fix to Argentina’s triple-digit inflation and rising poverty, and harsh measures are needed to undo decades of damage done by socialist leaders. While sound, free-market economic measures are needed to save Argentina, the situation is so dire that it will take time for these policies to yield positive results. Socialism plagued Argentina, and the country must accept the medicine it needs to get better, even if it results in short-term pain.
Left narrative
Javier Milei is another Trump-style authoritarian who is working to destroy his country’s democracy. Milei capitalized on Argentina’s severe economic troubles to push a platform of hate and extremism. The self-described libertarian is actually a fascist who wants to use his power to undo the progress Argentina has made on human rights and democratic issues. Milei’s extreme economic policies may not even be implemented and could exacerbate economic hardship if they are. Milei has already promised austerity measures — his autocratic impulses are deeply concerning.
