Provisional results show that right-wing libertarian Javier Milei has triumphed in Argentina’s presidential run-off poll, handily defeating his leftist rival, Economy Minister, Sergio Massa. The results reveal Milei winning with nearly 56 percent of the vote compared to Massa’s 44 percent, with about 90 percent of the votes accounted for. The news comes at a trying time for Argentina as it grapples with soaring inflation and a troubled economy, prompting Argentinians to vote for a radical change.
Despite being an outsider with controversial proposals such as eliminating the central bank and introducing the US dollar as the official currency, Milei’s unusual approach appealed to disillusioned voters. Compared to figures like former US President Donald Trump and former Brazilian leader, Jair Bolsonaro, Milei’s political inexperience didn’t deter supporters in their quest for a novel solution to Argentina’s economic woes.
Milei’s victory represents the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the country’s traditional political practices, especially amidst an economy ridden with over 140 percent annual inflation and where two out of five people are living in poverty.
The official victor of the election will take office on December 10th.
