Right-wing ultraliberal Javier Milei is the new president-elect of Argentina . With 86% of the votes counted , the anarcho-capitalist won the run-off with 56% against the progressive Peronist candidate Sergio Massa (44.04%), in a historic and crucial election for the country.
«Today begins the end of Argentine decadence. Let's begin reconstruction and turn the page of our history. Let's resume the path we should never have lost. The model of the state that impoverishes and blesses only some while the majority suffers ends . It is a historic night, let's return to embracing the idea of freedom ", said the new head of state in his first speech.
Having placed the leather jacket in the wardrobe, Milei showed up in a jacket and tie alongside his sister Karina, his support throughout the electoral campaign, combed and fresh from the barber. “We know there are people who will resist to maintain their privileges. We will be implacable: everything within the law, nothing outside the law", he warned, warning the caste, and asking the Peronist government of Alberto Fernandez to "take charge of the country until the end of the mandate".
Milei will assume his mandate on December 10, precisely on the fortieth anniversary of democracy since the last military dictatorship.
"The situation is dramatic, there is no room for gradualism, for half measures", indicated the winner, listing inflation, poverty, misery and insecurity as the most urgent challenges. “Argentina has a future and it is liberal,” he then observed, promising that, in 35 years, the country will be “a world power.”
In his presentation, Milei avoided talking about his flagships such asdollarization or the closure of the Central Bank. But he couldn't help but bring his motto: "Long live freedom, damn it." "Long live freedom, damn it", acclaimed by the roar of his people, before embracing his parents, while in the cities of the country, from Buenos Aires to Cordoba to Mendoza, thousands with blue and white flags gathered to celebrate with songs, dances, drum rolls and carousels.
A few hours earlier in a dramatic speech, Massa, former economy minister, had admitted defeat by leaving the scene while the counting of ballots was still underway.
«Argentina has a solid and strong democratic system that always respects results. Obviously the outcome is not what we expected and I contacted Javier Milei to congratulate him and wish him good luck as he will be the next president. He is the president elected by the majority for the next four years", explained Massa, to the disappointment of his supporters, who nevertheless granted him the embrace of applause. "I did it - he commented - convinced that the most important thing we must leave tonight is the message that coexistence, dialogue and respect for peace in the face of so much violence and disqualification is the best path we can take".
THE REACTIONS – «Congratulations. I'm proud of you. You will transform your country and make Argentina great again", the words of former American president Donald Trump, commenting on the election of Javier Milei as Argentine president.
(Unioneonline/vl)
