Javier Gerardo Milei was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 22nd, 1970. Milei is an economist, author, and politician known for his (sometimes extreme, critics say) right-wing views. He has sometimes been called “the ‘Donald Trump’ of Argentina.” Nicknames are nothing new to Milei—as a child, he was known as “El Loco” (“the Crazy” in Spanish) thanks to his eccentric nature. Though his childhood was marked by alleged abuse, Milei found solace in soccer and music (he was even the lead singer for a Rolling Stones cover band). Hyperinflation’s impact on his life gave Milei an interest in economics, and he went on to study and develop a successful (if not controversial) career in the field. Milei grabbed the public’s attention in the 2010s for his often over-the-top behavior on TV appearances. Due to his criticism of the government’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things, supporters urged him to enter politics in 2021. He did so and was elected representative of Buenos Aires in the Chamber of Deputies that year, marking the start of his climb to the Argentinian Presidency under his own party, La Libertad Avanza (“the Liberty Advances”). Promising radical changes, he was elected as President of Argentina in 2023.

 

Economic Policy: Milei’s economic policy focuses on reducing inflation, which he believes is a result of the government’s economic mismanagement.

Climate Change: Milei believes climate change is a “socialist lie” and advocates for fewer environmental regulations.

Abortion: In strong opposition, Milei has stated that abortion is “murder” and “homicide.” He supports the repeal of legal abortion.

Gun Rights: Milei hopes to make legal gun ownership easier in Argentina, believing it will allow Argentina “to have authority again.”

 

Economic Reform: In the summer of 2024, legislation proposed by Milei became law, marking a win for his administration. The bills completely reform Argentina’s tax system and provide investment incentives, among other things.

Veto of a Pension Reform Bill: In 2024, Milei vetoed a bill—which had already passed in both chambers of Congress—that would have updated the country’s formula for calculating retirees’ pensions to reflect inflation and wage growth.

Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity Dissolution: After taking office in 2023, Milei dissolved this agency, which addressed policies on issues like violence against women and LGBTQ+ rights.

 

Milei’s libertarian views and dedication to easing government intervention in the economy.

His anti-establishment mindset; many find him “different” from other elite politicians and appreciate his perceived vigilance against corruption.

Milei’s strong opposition to left-wing and socialist policies, which they find refreshing and unique in the current political climate.

His economic policies and efforts toward reform; supporters are crediting Milei with saving Argentina’s struggling economy.

 

Milei’s views on certain social issues like abortion, women’s rights, and diversity, which they believe have set the country back.

Milei’s controversial and sometimes aggressive communication style. Many find his behavior unacceptable and abnormal as the leader of a country.

Argentina’s current financial state; they blame the instability on Milei’s sweeping economic reform.

That Milei has made certain promises he hasn’t fulfilled (like his pledge to repeal abortion laws), which frustrates voters who supported him based on specific issues.

 

Milei is a strong opponent of central banking, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that he finds value in cryptocurrency. He’s a vocal supporter of digital assets, believing Bitcoin is the way to “return money to its original creator: the private sector.” Though he hasn’t revealed any concrete plans about how he’ll implement crypto, Milei believes in its potential as a part of his overhaul of Argentina’s volatile financial sector to help restore economic stability. As part of his efforts to lessen government regulation of the economy, his administration introduced the Law of Bases and Starting Points for the Freedom of Argentines, a bill that would have, in part, facilitated the legalization of digital assets. However, the crypto clause was later removed.