Trump, Bolsonaro, China… Reactions to the election of the new Argentine president, Javier Milei

The ultraliberal economist defied the predictions by winning against the outgoing Minister of the Economy. He describes himself as an “anarcho-capitalist” and libertarian.

Former television presenter, the newly elected president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has, at 53 years old, little political experience. However, against all expectations, he left the centrist Minister of the Economy Sergio Massa by more than eleven points.

The United States welcomes a democratic election

On Truth, the social network he launched in February 2022, former President Donald Trump was one of the first to congratulate Javier Milei. “I am very proud of you. You will transform your country and make Argentina great again”he wrote even before the official results were published.

Official congratulations from the United States followed with the voice of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who greeted “strong participation” to the ballot and a “testimony of the electoral and democratic institutions of Argentina”.

Billionaire Elon Musk also welcomed this victory over “prosperity awaited Argentina”.

Brazil “always available to work with the Argentinian brothers”

“I wish good luck and success to the new government. Argentina is a great country that deserves all our respect. Brazil will always be available to work with our Argentine brothers”, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wrote on X, while avoiding the name of the winner. Javier Milei called him “corrupt communist”.

“Hope will shine again in South America”, posted almost simultaneously on X his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

China keen to continue trade relations

China also extended its congratulations to Javier Milei, expressing its willingness to continue to “pursue friendship” between the two countries by developing a “win-win cooperation”. During his campaign, the new president nevertheless declared that he wanted to end commercial ties with China. “I will not do business with communists. I am a defender of freedom, peace and democracy”he had justified.

The French left is worried

In France, the left has expressed its concern. “Argentina is in turn falling into carbon-fascism”writes environmentalist MP Sandrine Rousseau on X, in a first post.

Then she lists in a second the “qualities” of the new president: “Having an improbable hairstyle. Being a climate skeptic. Ultraliberal. Hating women. History. Allowing yourself everything. Being a real man. Mascu as can be. Best combo”.

“Anarcho-capitalist, climate skeptic, anti-abortion, admirer of Bolsonaro/Trump…”in turn declines the deputy of La France insoumise Clémentine Autain.

“The election of Javier Milei is sad news for Argentina and the world. ‘Anarcho-capitalist’ preferring ‘the mafia to the State’, climate skeptic, against abortion, for the freedom to carry weapons. .. he dreams of a world of violence and injustice”denounced the spokesperson for the Socialist Party Chloé Ridel.

The EU wishes to continue cooperation with this “close partner”

On behalf of the European Union, the President of the European Council Charles Michel also sent his congratulations on X to the new president. He also called for continued cooperation with this “close partner”. “I thank (current President) Alberto Fernandez for the excellent cooperation over the years and look forward to continuing this cooperation for the benefit of our people,” he concluded.