Argentina’s Milei: Socialism a ‘danger’ for the West
Argentina’s President Javier Milei delivers a scathing critique of socialism at the World Economic Forum’s meeting in Davos
In a bold address at the World Economic Forum’s meeting in Davos, Argentina’s newly elected President, Javier Milei, delivered a scathing critique of socialism and championed the merits of free-market capitalism on Wednesday.
In his debut appearance on the global stage, the self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist” condemned the perceived threat to Western values posed by socialism, aiming at notions of “social justice” and “radical feminism.” Milei, 53, asserted that the West is in jeopardy, contending that embracing free-market capitalism is the only viable solution to combat poverty.
“I am here today to tell you that the West is in danger,” Milei declared, emphasizing that the defenders of Western values are being swayed by ideologies leading inexorably to socialism and, consequently, poverty.
During his maiden trip abroad as president, Milei, known for his austerity image, arrived in Switzerland on a commercial plane. In a departure from his usual rock star-like appearance, he ditched his leather jacket for a suit and tie while addressing the global political and business elites at the Swiss Alps.
“The state is not the solution. The state is the problem,” Milei proclaimed, praising entrepreneurs as “heroes” who should stand firm against the “political caste” and “parasites living off the state.”
“You are the true protagonists in this story. You should know that from now on, you can count on Argentina as an unconditional ally,” Milei concluded, rallying for freedom.
Milei’s speech garnered attention, with some in the audience expressing admiration, shaking his hand, and taking pictures as he left the congress hall.
The Argentine leader, often likened to former US president Donald Trump, rode a wave of public discontent over decades of economic decline to secure victory in the December election with the rallying cry “there’s no money.” True to his promise, Milei has implemented significant economic reforms, including a more than 50 percent devaluation of the peso, a reduction of state subsidies, and a halving of the number of ministries.
During his visit to Davos, Milei was scheduled to meet with International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva to discuss Argentina’s $44 billion debt owed to the IMF. Georgieva acknowledged Milei’s proactive measures, stating that the Argentine government was making progress by addressing the country’s “shortcomings” in a “very aggressive” manner.
Accompanying Milei on his Davos trip were four members of his government, including the foreign and economy ministers, along with his sister and close confidant, Karina, who serves as the secretary general of the presidency.
Source: AFP
