Can ‘Anarcho-Capitalist’ Javier Milei Tame Argentina’s 142% Inflation?

Self-described “anarcho-capitalist” Javier Milei’s presidential election victory in Argentina drew a surge of U.S. media attention, often reflecting writers’ apparent political leanings.

‘Uncharted path’: An AP (Lean Left bias) analysis said the “fiery” Milei — an “admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump” — had “thrust the country into the unknown” with his “extreme” policy proposals, some of which “appear to echo those of more conservative Republicans in the U.S.”

‘Enormous hurdles to govern’: Financial Times (Center bias) Latin America Editor Michael Stott noted that Milei lacked executive experience and his “insurgent” party was “far short of a majority” in the country’s legislature. While Milei won because of his opposition to Argentina’s political establishment, Stott argued, he “now needs the support of at least part of that political class to govern.” Thus, many of Milei’s “more radical proposals” are “unlikely to see the light of day, at least in the short term.”

‘A political movement unto himself’: The Wall Street Journal (Opinion rated Lean Right) Editorial Board rejected comparisons to Trump and bashed the “failed” Peronist ideology of the Argentine political establishment. “Known for his often caustic and insulting rhetoric,” the board wrote, “Mr. Milei electrified Argentina’s desperate younger generation with his candor. But now he will have to show he can moderate his persona or risk wasting his great opportunity.” The board also blamed Argentina’s many economic problems on the policies of Milei’s opponent, who they said “tried to buy the election with handouts to voters, as the Peronists always do.”