The ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country's general election after wild-haired outsider Javier Milei hogged attention during Argentina's worst economic crisis in two decades and rising anger with the elite.

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Argentina’s ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country’s general election on Sunday, setting the stage for a polarized run-off vote next month between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and far-right libertarian radical Javier Milei.

Massa had 36.6% of the vote, ahead of Milei on just over 30%, while conservative Patricia Bullrich was behind on 23.8% with near 98% of the vote counted, a result that defied pre-election polls that had predicted a libertarian win.

  • @notaviking@lemmy.worldEnglish
    -1•1 year ago

    Really hope Javier Milei can win, Peronist has run an once prosperace country into the ground the last couple of decades. Massa cut like all tax to bribe his way again to a win, whilst not even reducing their government spending an asking the IMF to forgive their latest loan. Yet the libertarian Milei is said to be a lunatic for trying to cut down on big government, allow a free market economy.

    • 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝙼𝚎𝚘𝚠English
      7•1 year ago

      Milei wants to do a little bit more than simply cutting down on big government. Yes, cuts are needed, but he also wants to cut some pretty essential departments alltogether. And that’s on top of some nutty ideas like legalising the human organ trade (literally who asked for that?!).

      He’s a self-described “anarcho-capitalist” who does libertarian populism. These ideas are not a recipe for economic revival, it’s guaranteed economic doom.

      The desire for change is justified, but not all change is good.