Javier Milei recently became aware of the viral video featuring Alberto Fernandez and his awkward slurping (Oh, Alberto!) while boarding a plane in Chile. The President seems to take pleasure in the spectacle, enjoying it with popcorn in hand. This saga is expected to continue with more revelations. In the meantime, following the known accusations involving Fabiola Yanez, Milei wasted no time criticizing his predecessors for their “progressive hypocrisy.” He reiterated his criticism of the Ministry of Women and the façade of the Fernández government regarding its gender policies. His observations were accurate. Ultimately, Alberto dealt a blow to the legitimate struggles of the feminist movement, which will need to recover from this setback.
In a parallel to Venezuela, he did not hesitate to label Nicolás Maduro a “dictator,” surpassing others who were deliberating on how to approach the situation. Soon after, many followed a similar course, with varying degrees of enthusiasm. As the saying goes: The one who strikes first, strikes twice.
Furthermore, this week the government announced the sale of the building that housed the Ministry of Women, which is remembered for its ineffectiveness. “After ordering the definitive closure of this organization, created and utilized by the previous administration for political purposes, to promote and impose an ideological agenda, and without achieving any measurable improvements in any indicator, the national government has decided to sell the building, valued at over 12.5 million dollars,” stated the Chief of Staff on Wednesday. Such moves strengthen the libertarians, even before the circulation of Alberto’s chats or photos of Fabiola being distressed started spreading from phone to phone.
Regarding Alberto’s misconduct, it seems that in the country of “la sabe lunga,” everyone was aware (pardon the redundancy). Journalists, both accredited and unaccredited, businesspeople, officials, pro-government and opposition legislators, and everyday people shopping in markets with bags in hand, picking tomatoes and peaches—all were in the loop. This universality of knowledge exacerbates the situation. If everyone knew, why did they remain silent? Or perhaps it was not so simple, but no one wanted to miss out. Better to inflate the numbers, like the million people who claim to have attended Diego Maradona’s debut in the Argentinos-Talleres game in October 1976 in a stadium of 20,000 seats—this reflects Argentine idiosyncrasy.
The good, the bad, and the less bad
The immoral actions of Alberto Fernandez position Javier Milei more favorably against Peronism, which bears the brunt of the fallout as a whole, despite being a specific case. The libertarian lion stands out, at the very least, as the least unfavorable alternative in the discordant landscape of this region’s leadership. This negative characterization helped pave the way for his rise to the Presidency of the Nation. However, it must also be acknowledged that Milei has managed to resonate with various segments of society by connecting his proposals with the demands of an exhausted populace. Once again, the politician is underrated.
Yet, fundamentally, it is a personal phenomenon. One aspect is Milei’s image and what it signifies for his electorate, and another is the political construction of Libertad Avanza, which remains weak. Just this weekend, internal conflicts within the LLA bloc were aired in a gossip-show format. Marcela Pagano, Lilia Lemoine, and Lourdes Arrieta exchanged barbs on social media, revealing internal struggles openly. Additionally, there are others: Luis Caputo vs. Federico Sturzenegger and the most highlighted: Javier Milei vs. Victoria Villarruel. Or Villarruel vs. Karina-Santiago Caputo. They are running openly, but Peronism cannot exploit this, hidden as it is by its own issues.
The PJ was slow to respond to the Alberto incident, even though he had already been removed from all positions of influence and decision-making due to the weak results of his administration. He was even compelled to take a leave of absence from the leadership of the National PJ. Uncomfortable, as with Venezuela, the Justicialist Party provided a valid argument: It is an individual case, and responsibility cannot be ascribed to an entire party. However, the PJ understands that they are in deep trouble. Many leaders believe this will ruin their chances for 2025. Nonetheless, political analysts consulted by this newspaper harbor less pessimistic views: in the tumultuous nature of current events, the stain will eventually fade for Peronist leaders (except, of course, for Alberto). There is a century left until the second half of next year.
It is also apparent that part of LLA’s response is effective rather than truthful. It plays with the notion that since the FdT’s gender policy was flawed, the libertarian movement suddenly becomes the champion of women’s integrity. “We have always maintained the same position, and since we were the only ones to expose this deception, they all accused us, without evidence, of being sexist, violent, and misogynistic,” reads a tweet from Milei. However, these are not mutually exclusive issues. Just because Alberto is wrong doesn’t mean Milei is right. Was there hypocrisy in the Frente de Todos regarding gender issues? Yes, of course. Does that make La Libertad Avanza the heroes of the story? And… that’s debatable, at least.
The same applies to “Maduro the dictator.” LLA is not an anthem for human rights. The recent visit of deputies to genocides and the reinstatement of the theory of the two demons place their positions in a relative light.
Alberto, I give you a veranito in Milei. Alongside the internal problems within his coalition, the absence of favorable economic results looms large. As of now, it seems he won’t receive the Nobel Prize in Economics in Stockholm, as he dreams. That possibility is receding, much like the dollars.
The decline in reserves is a foreseeable issue, especially due to debt payments. The gap between the official dollar and the parallel dollar remains significant. Living costs keep rising and will continue to rise due to rate hikes. Unemployment is increasingly concerning for Argentines. More individuals are facing poverty and destitution in a society already plagued by numerous deficiencies. No economist from any background foresees a scenario without devaluation before the year’s end, which could significantly affect Milei’s main concern: falling inflation. The risk of a loop.
All of this, of course, requires a narrative of successes that is absent in reality. For instance, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni boldly claimed on Friday that car registrations increased by 38.7% in July, while, in reality, they fell by 2.8%. The trick was to compare sales in July against those in June, whereas, as Adorni is well aware from his prior role as an economic analyst, registrations should be compared against the same month from the previous year. Seasonal dynamics must be considered; and in this specific case, the comparison would also involve the significant downturn in internal consumption caused by the libertarian government. The contrast should always be measured in annual terms. And in that context, the figures are stark: so far this year, the 0 KM sales drop stands at 19%, measured against a modest 2023, reminiscent of Fernández’s governance. The automotive market is on track for a year with sales volumes similar to those of 2003, a time when there was a smaller population in the country and the economy was still reeling from the repercussions of the 2001 crisis, which were later resolved.
However, in the absence of economic results, Milei continues to rely on his acumen to navigate the political landscape. On his Twitter profile, Milei does not identify himself as President. He merely states “Economist.” Perhaps this should change to “Politician.”
Javier Milei and the Hypocrisy of Progressive Policies in Argentina
Javier Milei has become a prominent figure in Argentina’s political arena, particularly after uncovering the viral video of Alberto Fernandez slurping and enjoying the entertainment on a plane in Chile. This incident has drawn attention to the contrasts in leadership styles, where Fernández appears more like a spectator than a leader. Milei has not hesitated to call out what he labels as “progressive hypocrisy,” criticizing Fernández’s government for its failures in gender policies as orchestrated by his wife, Fabiola Yanez. Milei’s remarks suggest that Fernández has trivialized the legitimate struggles of the feminist movement, leaving it to reorganize amid the backlash.
In a striking parallel to other Latin American political climates, Milei was quick to condemn Nicolás Maduro as a dictator, showcasing his stance on governance. His outspoken nature has prompted numerous analysts to reconsider their views on political activism in Argentina. It appears that Milei captures a significant share of public sentiment, evidenced when he declared, “He who strikes first, strikes twice.” This mindset has allowed him to position himself as a formidable opponent against Peronism, which is now struggling with internal fragmentation.
This week witnessed the government’s decision to auction the building formerly housing the Ministry of Women, an establishment criticized for its ineffectiveness under previous leadership. As articulated by the Chief of Staff, the sale of this property is a signal of a government keen on distancing itself from organizations that failed to deliver measurable improvements in societal indicators. This move bolsters the Libertarian narrative, even without the back-and-forth exchanges of disparaging chats amongst government officials, further catalyzing Milei’s rise. Meanwhile, a widespread awareness of Fernández’s antics provides a complex backdrop, as both citizens and journalists alike have seemingly turned a blind eye until now – raising questions about complicity in political silence.
The Good, the Bad, and the Less Bad
As scandals unfold, Javier Milei finds himself in a paradoxically favorable position against a backdrop of Peronism’s tarnished reputation. He is not merely profiting from the failures of others, but rather engaging with the public to express commitment to change. Milei has successfully resonated with voters fatigued by the status quo, positioning himself as the less dismal option in a tumultuous political landscape.
- Personal Phenomenon: Although widely recognized for his striking persona, Milei’s political party, Freedom Advances, remains fragile.
- Internal Conflicts: Ongoing conflicts within the Freedom Advances bloc—including public battles among deputies—further indicate a lack of cohesion that could weaken Milei’s potential.
- External Pressure: The Justicialist Party (PJ) has yet to effectively capitalize on Milei’s internal issues, due largely to their fixation on managing their crises.
Economic Struggles: The Tough Reality
Alberto Fernández is currently fighting an uphill battle as economic results fail to materialize, much to the detriment of Argentina’s populace. With increasing inflation, rising living costs, and escalating unemployment, Milei’s administration faces a paradox where his promises clash with harsh economic realities. Here are key indicators to consider:
| Economic Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Inflation Rate | High and rising |
| Unemployment Rate | Increasing concern |
| Dollar Exchange Gap | Widening |
| Public Sentiment | Increased dissatisfaction |
Political Strategies and Public Perception
In a bid to shift narratives around gender policy, Milei’s administration seeks to undermine the previous government’s legitimacy by framing their failures as evidence of systemic hypocrisy. Through social media platforms, he articulates his perceptions of the failures under Fernández, attempting to recast the Libertarian movement as genuine defenders of marginalized voices. However, such claims warrant further scrutiny, as historical actions do not readily align with newfound narratives of integrity.
This contradiction also reverberates in Milei’s diplomatic positioning regarding Venezuelan governance. His government’s recent engagement with contentious figures not only reflects fluctuating alliances but challenges the integrity of his human rights stance.
Conclusion: Navigating the Political Landscape
Despite the unfolding crises, the evolving political landscape in Argentina necessitates vigilance and critical examination. As Javier Milei navigates these turbulent waters, it becomes evident that both his political narrative and the realities of governance continue to present an intricate puzzle. The intertwined complexities of charisma, rhetoric, and socio-economic frameworks will ultimately shape Argentina’s trajectory in the coming months.
