The far-right candidate in the Argentine presidential elections, Javier Meli, won yesterday, Sunday, and achieved a major surprise, as he obtained 55.95% of the votes, according to the official partial results.
On the other hand, his competitor, Economy Minister Sergio Massa, received 44.04% after 86% of the votes were counted. He acknowledged his loss and said that he called Milley to congratulate him.
end model
Milley delivered a speech to thousands of his supporters at his campaign headquarters in Buenos Aires Yesterday, Sunday, after his victory, he said, “This is a historic night for Argentina.” He continued, “The poor class model has ended, and today we are adopting the model of freedom in order to once again become a global power. Today the way in which politics was practiced ends, and another way begins.”
36 million Argentine voters cast their votes yesterday, Sunday, in the second round of the presidential elections, and the voting process witnessed tensions that the country has rarely witnessed since the return of the democratic system 40 years ago.
Massa clearly said that the results “were not as expected” and wished Meli success in his presidency of Argentina in the coming period, which will last 4 years.
A stifling economic crisis
The elections took place at a time when it was struggling Argentina In order to survive the economic crisis, as its inflation rate is one of the highest in the world (143% within a year), and poverty has affected more than 40% of the population despite social welfare programs, amid intractable debts and the decline in the value of the currency.
The country suffers from a continuous increase in prices month after month, while wages, including the minimum, have decreased to 146 thousand pesos ($400), and rental costs have reached levels that are difficult for many, making housewives resort to bartering to obtain their needs. , similar to what happened after the severe economic crisis in 2001.
The competition was intense between the candidates. On the one hand, Massa (51 years old) is an experienced politician, having served as Minister of the Economy for 16 months in the center-left government, from which he later separated. He pledged to form a “government of national unity” and carry out gradual economic reform, while maintaining social welfare, which is essential in Argentina.
As for Milley (53 years old), he is an economist who describes himself as an “anarcho-capitalist,” and he sparked controversy in his television appearances, as he entered the political arena two years ago. He pledged to get rid of the “parasitic class”, “prunate the hostile state” and revive the economy.
In the first round of elections, Massa achieved a lead with 37% of the votes, compared to 30% for Milli. Although Massa was supported by many “angry” voters in the first round, Milley’s speech between the two rounds upset the budget.
The “anti-establishment” candidate toned down his rhetoric and directed his message to voters, saying, “Vote without fear, because fear causes impotence and is in the interest of the status quo.”
External congratulations
In a message published on the X website, the Brazilian President wished… Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Success for the new Argentine administration, without mentioning the name of the winner in yesterday’s elections, Sunday. He said in his message, “I wish the new government good luck and success. Argentina is a great country that deserves all our respect. Brazil will always be ready to cooperate with our Argentine brothers.”
In turn, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) congratulated the Argentine president-elect, and expressed his hope that “the region is witnessing a new radiance.”
The United States also congratulated Milley, praising “the broad participation and the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.” The US Secretary of State said, Anthony BlinkenIn a statement, these elections constitute “a testament to Argentina’s democratic institutions,” and that the United States “looks forward to cooperating with President-elect Milley and his government to work to achieve common priorities.”
For his part, the former US President expressed: Donald Trump He expressed his congratulations to Meli on his election victory, and confirmed through his social network “Truth Social” that the new Argentine president will work to “change” his country.
