Milei began his activism in the media by participating in television debates and became a media phenomenon — which later translated into the ballot box when he won the primary elections and now the presidential election — based on ideas such as the privatization of state-owned companies, shutting down various government departments, or the dollarization of the economy.
The president-elect opposes the legalization of abortion in Argentina, which was passed in 2020, as well as “comprehensive” (anything goes) sex education and gender ideology. His pro-life stance, along with that of his vice president-elect, Victoria Villarruel, has encouraged the expectations of various pro-life leaders and activists in the region.
One of Milei’s most controversial proposals is “searching for market mechanisms” to reduce the waiting time for those who need organ transplants. He also proposes the deregulation of gun sales.
In addition, he intends to cut public spending in areas such as health care, education, and social development, creating a single ministry for all three. Regarding education, Milei proposes that it be neither compulsory nor free.
More in Americas
While he won by 11 percentage points over his opponent, Milei faces many challenges in implementing his platform; the New York Times noted Nov. 20 that he is “expected to have to make political deals to carry out his plans, as his 2-year-old political party controls just 10% of the seats in Argentina’s Senate and 15% in its lower house of Congress.”
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
Walter Sánchez Silva is a senior writer for ACI Prensa (https://www.aciprensa.com). With more than 15 years of experience, he has reported from important ecclesial events in Europe, Asia and Latin America during the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. E-mail: walter@aciprensa.com