The president of the United States, Donald Trump, who this Tuesday opened the doors of the White House to his Argentine counterpart, the “libertarian and anarcho-capitalist” Javier Milei, has assured that the , granted to rescue the Argentine economy, is subject to the result obtained by the party Freedom Advances in the Argentine legislative elections, which would have to be held on October 26 and to which the formation of Milei comes at a delicate moment.
“If he loses, we are not going to be so generous with Argentina. We believe he is going to win. He should. If he does, we will be of great help. If he does not win, we are not going to waste our time because there is no possibility of Argentina becoming great again,” said Donald Trump after meeting Javier Milei, whom he is willing to help motivated by the ideological affinity that unites them and the promises to apply more economic reforms: “I support this man because his philosophy is the correct one. He may or may not win, but I think he will win,” said the Republican magnate.
During the meeting, which Trump attended accompanied by his main advisors, the US president insisted that the rescue of Argentina, motivated by ideological affinity and the promise of more economic reforms: “I support this man because his philosophy is correct. He may or may not win, but I believe he will win. If he wins, we stay with him; and if not, we leave,” the Republican president warned about the possibility that the “extreme left” will once again govern in Argentina, which he blames for the economic crisis that Argentina is going through.
For his part, Argentine President Javier Milei has publicly thanked the economic support of the United States: “I deeply thank President Trump for understanding the threat posed by 21st century socialism in Latin America and for the financial aid, which will help Argentina overcome the problems derived from the opposition’s attacks,” the Argentine president said after the meeting.
The rescue of the Argentine economy, articulated through the United States Treasury, consists of a currency exchange line of about 20 billion dollars to inject liquidity and contain the volatility of the Argentine economic system. However, far from calming the waters, Donald Trump’s statements have caused the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange to close the day with a drop of 2.09% in the S&P Merval index.
In addition to Donald Trump’s reprimand, the meeting with Javier Milei in Washington was also marked by the delivery of a letter signed by the families of all of them. A letter in which they thank the Republican magnate for his “strength” in mediation to find a solution. “You gave us back our family and faith in life. Therefore, we will carry your name forever in our hearts,” say the relatives of Eitan Horn and the brothers David and Ariel Cunio in the letter.
Milei’s electoral problems
The next legislative elections that will take place in Argentina this October are a key event for the consolidation of the neoliberal reform program of Milei and his coalition. Freedom Advanceswith which he aspires to obtain a majority in both chambers. However, the ruling party arrives at the election in the midst of strong social and political polarization, aggravated by the increase in disapproval of the austerity measures.
Added to this scenario are the corruption scandals that have shaken the government of Javier Milei and his entourage since August. Various journalistic and judicial investigations point to members of the cabinet and direct relatives of Milei, such as her sister, Karina Milei (general secretary of the Presidency), related to alleged illegal charges in purchases of medicines for the National Disability Agency. In addition, practices of selling candidates, bribery in state contracts and links with businessmen suspected of drug trafficking have been reported, facts that have forced the , generating an internal crisis in the official ranks.
According to political analysts, the Government needs to reach the elections with relative financial and exchange stability, and avoid a new devaluation of the peso. However, cases of corruption and lack of consensus increase uncertainty about the outcome of the elections and Milei’s ability to sustain governance.
