Javier Milei celebrates 'new era' as Argentina's right-wing outsider assumes presidency
Javier Milei, a political outsider, has been sworn in as Argentina's new president, marking the beginning of a promising era With his advocacy for bold reforms, including dollarization and austerity measures, Milei aims to tackle the country's economic challenges The inauguration ceremony was held in Buenos Aires and overseen by his predecessor, Alberto Fernandez
Javier Milei promised a "new era" for Argentina when he was inaugurated as the country's new president on Sunday. This marked the rise of a political outsider who gained popularity by advocating for drastic economic reforms. As an economist and former political commentator, Milei famously used a chainsaw as a symbol of his dedication to cutting government spending during his campaign.
He unexpectedly rose to power, shocking Argentina's political leaders and leading to comparisons with former US President Donald Trump. The inauguration ceremony was led by Milei's predecessor, Alberto Fernandez, in front of the nation's congress in Buenos Aires.
Milei took the oath before delivering his inaugural presidential speech, pledging to implement extensive reforms.
"Today marks the beginning of a new era for Argentina. Today, we put an end to a long and sorrowful period of decay and decline, and embark on the path towards rebuilding our nation," he declared to the gathering outside Congress in Buenos Aires.
The desire for irreversible change was resoundingly voiced by the Argentineans.
High-profile attendees at the event included Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and Jair Bolsonaro, the former president of Brazil.
Milei waves to supporters after his swearing-in ceremony.
Natacha Pisarenko/AP
Supporters of Milei gather outside Congress during the ceremony.
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At 53, Milei won the runoff election on November 19 with 55.9% of the votes, defeating Sergio Massa, the current finance minister, who obtained 44%. His victory brought him national attention, and he vowed to implement radical reforms like dollarization and austerity in order to tackle Argentina's economic difficulties.
He has already held meetings with high-ranking US officials in Washington, and his economic team has worked with IMF officials to develop a plan intended to reform the country's foreign policy and steer its economy out of the current crisis.
Milei joined the race as a political newcomer, vowing to "break ties with the status quo" - represented by his opponent Massa, a seasoned politician.
If Milei's campaign promise to dollarize becomes reality, it would be unprecedented for a country the size of Argentina to relinquish control of its own monetary policy to decision-makers in Washington.
Milei, a socially conservative candidate with connections to the American right, is against abortion rights and has dismissed climate change as a "socialist lie."
He has pledged to reduce government spending by shutting down Argentina's ministries of culture, education, and diversity, as well as cutting public subsidies.
Milei's political agenda also involves reducing regulations on gun control and shifting control of the penitentiary system from civilians to the military, all as part of a strict approach to crime.
