The Rise of the Maverick: Argentina's Unconventional Candidate Breaking Political Barriers

Amidst a surge of cheering followers and brandishing a chainsaw towards the vast expanse above, the focal point of the moment made his way towards the center stage.

Surveying his surroundings, he bellowed with fury, "Chainsaw! Chainsaw!" - a battle cry that was swiftly echoed by his loyal supporters, demanding destruction.

Shouts, chants, and traffic horns blared in all directions. This spectacle was not a WWE wrestling event but rather the 2023 presidential race in Argentina, where the front-runner is political newcomer Javier Milei. Milei's unconventional campaign tactic of wielding a chainsaw during his appearances, as exemplified by the recent rally in the coastal city of Mar del Plata on September 12, symbolizes his commitment to making substantial reductions in government expenditures, abolishing public subsidies, and disrupting the existing political establishment.

Milei, a renowned economist and former political commentator, made a shocking entrance into Argentina's political landscape in August. He achieved a significant majority in a coalition primary vote, which is widely seen as a precursor to the impending presidential competition scheduled for October 22.

For the past two decades, Argentine politics have been predominantly controlled by the same established groups. However, Milei emerges as a fresh and assertive force, challenging the traditional power players from both ends of the political spectrum. This narrative resonates with the rise of other prominent far-right figures like former United States President Donald Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Javier Milei, a candidate for the La Libertad Avanza coalition, is seen making gestures alongside Carolina Piparo, who is running for Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires. The photo was taken during a campaign rally in La Plata, Buenos Aires on September 12.

Agustin Marcarian/Reuters

Similar to Bolsonaro, Milei gained popularity during a period of severe economic crisis in Argentina. In August, the country's annual inflation rate peaked at 124%, the highest it has been in over 32 years. Additionally, the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses INDEC reported a 15% increase in food prices compared to the previous month. Like Trump, Milei has successfully tapped into the frustration and resentment directed towards a political establishment that is seen as disconnected and ineffective.

In response to the Trumpian slogan "Drain the swamp," supporters of Milei passionately exclaim "¡¡Què se vayan todos!!" which means "May they all leave!" This expression reflects their anger towards politicians from all political affiliations. Currently, Argentina's left-wing party is in power, after being preceded by the right-wing party from 2015 to 2019.

Milei is positioning himself as the candidate of change and his message has resonated strongly with voters in the primary election. The question now remains whether his strategy will continue to garner support in the upcoming national vote next month.

"I will support Milei as I believe he will bring about significant changes," comments Eduardo Murchio, a taxi driver residing in the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Expressing his discontent with the repetitive nature of politics, Murchio emphasizes, "I am exhausted by the familiar figures and unchanging governors [...] I have spent 40 years witnessing the same narrative unfold." (Image Placeholder 1)

A worker receives Argentine peso banknotes in a shop in Buenos Aires on Sept. 26, 2023. Milei has proposed dollarizing Argentina.

Erica Canepa/Bloomberg/Getty Images

What a Milei presidency might look like

Perhaps the most noteworthy idea proposed by Mileis is the dollarization of Argentina. He believes that this radical plan is the ultimate solution for the country's longstanding inflation issues. While this approach is not unprecedented in Latin America, as countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama already use the US dollar, implementing it in a large country like Argentina remains uncharted territory.

However, it is important to note that Mileis' capabilities as a macroeconomic strategist have never been put to the test. Prior to entering politics, he worked as a financial analyst in the private sector.

"In Argentina, the opening of the economy without any protective barriers is unprecedented," stated Javier Marcus, a finance professor at the Rosario National University in Buenos Aires. While some countries have achieved stability in prices through dollarization, relinquishing monetary policy would result in Argentina effectively surrendering its ability to influence its own country's financial matters.

Marcus emphasizes that adopting dollarization would also make Argentina more vulnerable to global economic challenges, distinguishing it from other populist leaders. "This is a significant contrast because both Trump and Bolsonaro prioritize their respective countries and endorse local manufacturing," he explains. "In contrast, Milei always emphasizes the need for Argentina to embrace globalization."

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However, many find Milei's tendency towards extreme personal attacks, often seen as sexist, highly distasteful. In 2018, when asked about economic strategies by local journalist Teresa Fria, Milei responded with a loud outburst, stating, "I am not a totalitarian, but you, on the other hand, are an ignorant fool. You speak of matters you have no knowledge about. Your words are foolish and I am here to set you straight!"

His stance on issues has led him into conflict with Argentina's influential female voters. While campaigning, Milei has expressed his intention to push for a referendum to overturn the country's 2020 constitutional reform that legalized abortion. However, constitutional experts interviewed by CNN have raised concerns regarding the legality of such a proposal.

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In November 2020, he went so far as to call Pope Francis "an envoy of Satan," demonstrating his willingness to take political risks in his opposition to the Pope. However, in recent months, Milei has distanced himself from these views. It is important to note that Argentina is a predominantly Catholic country, with over 60% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, according to the CIA fact book. Despite this, Milei's campaign spokesperson confirmed that Milei does not personally attack Pope Francis during his campaign, but rather believes that the Pope represents sectors that hinder societal progress.

Women from feminist organizations take part in a march in defense of legal abortion in Buenos Aires, on September 28, 2023.

Emiliano Lasalvia/AFP/Getty Images

Facing off with Patricia Bullrich and Sergio Massa

However, despite his attention-grabbing rhetoric and surprising success in the preliminary election, Milei's bid for presidency is not yet guaranteed. The Argentinean presidential election follows a two-round system that promotes the formation of coalitions and aims to prevent extreme ideologies from prevailing.

Recent surveys indicate a three-way division of votes, with Milei holding a slight lead over the more traditional center-right contender, Patricia Bullrich, and Sergio Massa, the current Minister of Economy from the leftist camp.

Bullrich, a previous security minister, stated in an interview with CNN en Español that she intends to appoint economists to lead the finance ministry. She believes her steady and composed approach stands in contrast to Mileis' frequent outbursts.

Massa, perceived as Mileis' main competitor, aims to establish himself as a more practical voice from the left in comparison to the present government coalition. He has been working to separate himself politically from Argentina's renowned vice-president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, without estranging her influential supporters.

Neither Massa nor Bullrich are anticipated to engage with Milei at this juncture of the campaign, and both conventional alliances promptly voiced their disapproval of his limited governmental background and the potential hazards associated with dismantling Argentina's current economic frameworks.

On September 29, in Buenos Aires, pedestrians strolled by a campaign poster featuring Sergio Massa, Argentina's economy minister and the presidential candidate for Unity for the Homeland party. The poster was captured by Anita Pouchard Serra for Bloomberg/Getty Images.

According to experts, there is a strong desire for change this year, and the winning candidate needs to take advantage of that. "This election is all about change, even Sergio Massa represents a change within the current government's continuity," stated Claudio Jacquelin, the deputy editor of La Nación, a prominent Argentine newspaper, in an interview with CNN en Español on Wednesday.

On Sunday, the candidates will participate in the first mandatory debate, followed by the first round of voting three weeks later. If no candidate receives 45% of the vote (or more than 40% with a difference greater than 10% from the following candidate), the two candidates with the highest vote totals will compete in a runoff election in November.

The upcoming run-off, following a period of intense confrontation and comparison, will serve as Milei's ultimate test. While his unexpected rise has worked to his advantage thus far, the occasionally radical nature of his ideas may deter voters as the race continues, according to Facundo Nejamkis, director of the polling firm Opina in Buenos Aires, who spoke to CNN.

Nejamkis stated that Milei's main challenge going into the second round is to alleviate any fear or uncertainty among the majority of voters, who may ultimately choose a candidate they had not previously considered, simply to prevent Milei from gaining power.