Argentineans Left Hanging as Trump-Backed Candidate Milei Takes the Helm
In a stunning upset, Javier Milei's presidential campaign has catapulted him to power in Argentina, securing a wide margin of victory despite economic woes and allegations of corruption. The outcome was met with mixed emotions as the nation grappled with the implications of a Trump-backed candidate winning office.
Milei's surprise win is being viewed with skepticism by many, who argue that it may have been influenced by the $40 billion bailout from the US, coupled with President Donald Trump's warning that if Milei didn't win, he would withdraw his support. While some see this as a clever ploy to curry favor with anti-American sentiment, others believe that the campaign tapped into deep-seated fears about economic instability and the perceived threats posed by globalization.
The economy has been a major concern for Argentineans in recent months, with inflation plummeting from over 200% annually to around 30%, yet still remaining higher than global standards. However, critics argue that this policy of burning through dollar reserves to keep the peso overvalued has had severe consequences, including surged imports that are crippling local industry and commerce.
The impact on ordinary Argentinians has been devastating, with falling purchasing power, real wages declining, and a staggering 200,000 jobs lost since Milei took office. Many now find themselves struggling to make ends meet, with some businesses having shut their doors in response to the economic downturn.
Analysts point to social indicators showing no positive performance under Milei's rule, and that his campaign may have exploited fears about returning to past crises of economic instability and anti-Peronism, a stigmatized political movement. Some even see parallels with Canada and Brazil, where Trump's tariffs ended up boosting popularity among opponents.
The consequences of this election are already being felt. Aquiles Ferrario, an 82-year-old bookshop owner, expressed his dismay at the outcome, warning that Argentina may be heading towards a future "colony of the US," where economic policy depends entirely on American influence and President Trump's whims.
As Milei takes the reins, many are left wondering whether this is a genuine expression of support for his policies or simply a reaction to Trump's intervention. One thing is clear, however: Argentina's economy will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
In a stunning upset, Javier Milei's presidential campaign has catapulted him to power in Argentina, securing a wide margin of victory despite economic woes and allegations of corruption. The outcome was met with mixed emotions as the nation grappled with the implications of a Trump-backed candidate winning office.
Milei's surprise win is being viewed with skepticism by many, who argue that it may have been influenced by the $40 billion bailout from the US, coupled with President Donald Trump's warning that if Milei didn't win, he would withdraw his support. While some see this as a clever ploy to curry favor with anti-American sentiment, others believe that the campaign tapped into deep-seated fears about economic instability and the perceived threats posed by globalization.
The economy has been a major concern for Argentineans in recent months, with inflation plummeting from over 200% annually to around 30%, yet still remaining higher than global standards. However, critics argue that this policy of burning through dollar reserves to keep the peso overvalued has had severe consequences, including surged imports that are crippling local industry and commerce.
The impact on ordinary Argentinians has been devastating, with falling purchasing power, real wages declining, and a staggering 200,000 jobs lost since Milei took office. Many now find themselves struggling to make ends meet, with some businesses having shut their doors in response to the economic downturn.
Analysts point to social indicators showing no positive performance under Milei's rule, and that his campaign may have exploited fears about returning to past crises of economic instability and anti-Peronism, a stigmatized political movement. Some even see parallels with Canada and Brazil, where Trump's tariffs ended up boosting popularity among opponents.
The consequences of this election are already being felt. Aquiles Ferrario, an 82-year-old bookshop owner, expressed his dismay at the outcome, warning that Argentina may be heading towards a future "colony of the US," where economic policy depends entirely on American influence and President Trump's whims.
As Milei takes the reins, many are left wondering whether this is a genuine expression of support for his policies or simply a reaction to Trump's intervention. One thing is clear, however: Argentina's economy will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
imo it's about time argentina got a leader who actually does what they say and not just kisses up to everyone like usual 
those arguing that the $40 billion bailout was what won him the election r really thinking it's some kind of trickery 
america's always been involved in latino politics somehow, might as well own up to it instead of pretending like trump's support had nothing to do with milei's win 
I'm kinda surprised that Argentines didn't push back more against the economic situation before it got so bad 
But seriously, 200,000 jobs lost and people struggling to make ends meet is not something to joke about 
. Milei's win might've been a result of people feeling desperate and wanting someone to blame for the economic woes 
. People are saying it might've been influenced by Trump's $40 billion bailout and some of those anti-American vibes going around. But at the same time, I get why Argentinians were scared about globalization and the economy just taking off like a rocket ship without anyone knowing how to put the brakes on 
. On one hand, the $40 billion is a big help and could totally turn things around for Argentina 
. On the other hand, it feels like Trump was using that money as a way to get his foot in the door, you know? Either way, the people of Argentina are gonna have a tough time making ends meet over the next few years, no doubt about it 
.
. It's also worrying that ordinary Argentinians are bearing the brunt of this economic downturn, with so many businesses shutting down and people struggling to make ends meet 
. Anyway, back to Milei's win... yeah, it's pretty suspicious that he got elected on the back of a $40 billion bailout from Trump. Like, what exactly did Argentina do to deserve that kind of favor? And let's be real, his economic policies are still super sketchy - burning through dollar reserves and all that jazz... it's no wonder the peso is still tanking.
. It's like, do Argentinians really think that Trump is going to help them out or what? 
It feels like they're choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea... or something 
.
.
. Argentina needs someone with a plan, not just some populist figure with Trump's backing 
... how did we end up here?! Milei, a Trump-backed candidate who rode into power on the back of economic desperation and xenophobia 
. It's like the world has gone mad! The state of Argentina is literally bleeding out from the inside 
.
. I mean, come on! You can't just keep burning through dollar reserves like it's going out of style 
. It's basic math, people! The consequences of this economic policy are devastating, especially for the most vulnerable among us 
.
? I mean, what's next?! 
! Argentina deserves so much better than this 
. We deserve leaders who care about our future, not just their own interests 
.
Ugh, my mind is a mess! 
. And Trump's threats of withdrawal just sealed the deal. It's not like Argentinians didn't know about his support, they were all like "oh great, we're in this together now" 
. I'm not surprised social indicators are down under Milei, his campaign was all about stirring up fear and anti-Peronism 
. This whole thing reeks of a classic bait-and-switch 
i'm worried about the future, especially for those who've already been hit hard by milei's policies