Far-right libertarian outsider Javier Milei registered a win in Argentina's presidential run-off poll, according to provisional results, as reported by the BBC. He defeated the candidate of the governing Peronists, provisionally, by more than 10 points. As per the provisional results, out of almost 90% of the votes counted, Milei had around 56% of the vote, compared with 44% for Massa. The election came when Argentina was witnessing rising inflation and an economy in crisis, as per the BBC.
Milei's rival, Argentina’s economy minister Sergio Massa, congratulated him on his victory. "Obviously, the results are not what we expected. I have contacted Javier Milei to congratulate him," Massa said, as quoted by the BBC. "From tomorrow, the responsibility of providing certainty belongs to Milei."
Former US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes and congratulated Milei on his victory, saying he would "Make Argentina Great Again!".
According to the BBC, Milei's proposals, which included detonating the central bank, received the support of voters who were desperate for change. His talk of introducing the US dollar as the country's official currency was applauded by his supporters. Many economists talk of financial disaster.
Milei promised “drastic changes” to tackle Argentina’s “tragic reality” of soaring inflation and widespread poverty, as reported by The Guardian. Sending a message to the international community, Milei said, “Argentina will return to the place in the world which it should never have lost,” as quoted by The Guardian.
Brazil’s left-wing president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, took to X and reacted to Javier Milei’s victory, saying that democracy is the “voice of the people and must be respected”. Without mentioning Milei’s name, Lula wrote, “I wish the next government good luck and success. Argentina is a great country and deserves our complete respect”.