The Argentine presidential election sparked strong reactions with the unexpected presence of two personalities with radical oppositions. On one side, Sergio Massa, the Minister of the Economy, representative of the government bloc, and on the other, Javier Milei, an ultraliberal “anti-system” advocating a drastic reduction of the State. These two candidates managed to rise to the top of the first round of the Argentine presidential election, and will face each other in the second round on November 19.
Sergio Massa’s victory, despite record inflation and a struggling economy, comes as a surprise to some observers. With 35.9% of the votes, he managed to surpass expectations, while Javier Milei, with 30.5% of the votes, confirms his rise in power since entering politics two years ago.
This election took place in a climate of uncertainty and concern for the Argentine population, which faces a precarious economic situation, with chronic debt and inflation among the highest in the world. Voters express a mixture of desire for change and fear of a “leap into the void”.
Argentina’s delicate economic situation undoubtedly played a major role in voters’ choice. They are looking for a candidate capable of solving the country’s economic problems, marked by poverty and inflation. For many Argentines, it is time to make a radical change in the economic management of their country.
Sergio Massa tried to reassure voters by promising an upcoming export boom and an end to the historic drought that has deprived Argentina of significant revenue. He also proposed measures to mitigate the impact of inflation, such as tax cuts, subsidies and VAT exemptions.
As for Javier Milei, he focused his campaign on an ultraliberal vision of the Argentine economy, advocating a drastic reduction of the State and total liberalization of the market. His “anti-system” speech appealed to part of the Argentine electorate, seeking radical change.
The second round of the Argentine presidential election therefore promises to be crucial for the economic future of the country. Voters will have to choose between continuity with Sergio Massa and his proposals for economic recovery, or adventure with Javier Milei and his ultraliberal ideas.
Whatever the end result, it is clear that Argentina is at a turning point in its history. The population is waiting for concrete measures to emerge from the economic crisis that has been hitting it for years. Let’s hope that the new president-elect will be able to live up to expectations and rebuild a better future for Argentina.