Javier Milei

Javier Gerardo Milei (born 22 October 1970) is an Argentine politician and economist who has served as the 52nd constitutional president of Argentina since 2023. Milei also served as a national deputy representing the City of Buenos Aires for the party La Libertad Avanza from 2021 until his election to the presidency in 2023. Born in Buenos Aires, Milei attended the University of Belgrano, where he obtained a degree in economics, and undertook postgraduate coursework at the Instituto de Desarrollo Económico y Social, and at Torcuato di Tella University, though neither resulted in a completed degree. He rose to public prominence in the 2010s by appearing as a pundit on various television shows in which he was a vocal critic of the Argentine political establishment. In the 2021 legislative election, Milei was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, representing the City of Buenos Aires for La Libertad Avanza. As a national deputy, he limited his legislative activities to voting, focusing instead on critiquing Argentina's political elite and its propensity for high government spending. Milei pledged not to raise taxes, and donated his national deputy salary through a monthly raffle. He defeated the incumbent economy minister, Sergio Massa, in the second round of the 2023 presidential election, on a platform that held the ideological dominance of Kirchnerism responsible for the ongoing Argentine monetary crisis. Since taking office, Javier Milei has focused on stabilizing Argentina’s economy through spending cuts, deregulation, and monetary restraint after decades of economic mismanagement. Inflation fell sharply, the government achieved its first fiscal surplus since 2008, and poverty declined to an estimated 31 % in early 2025, while wages partially recovered despite uneven sector performance. Economic growth modestly resumed, though rising living and healthcare costs and reduced consumption continued to strain public support. Milei’s reforms remain politically risky but were reinforced by La Libertad Avanza winning a plurality in the 2025 legislative elections. In foreign policy, Argentina shifted away from closer ties with BRICS and China, aligning more closely with the United States and coordinating more closely with Donald Trump. Milei is known for his flamboyant personality, distinctive personal style, and strong media presence, including his catchphrase "¡Viva la libertad, carajo!". He has been described politically as a right-wing populist and right-wing libertarian who supports laissez-faire economics, aligning specifically with minarchist and anarcho-capitalist principles. Milei has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the country's fiscal and structural policies. On social issues, he opposes abortion and euthanasia, and supports civilian ownership of firearms. He also supports "freedom of choice" on drug policy. In foreign policy, he advocates closer relations with the United States and with Israel.