The radical libertarian populist president (Advanced)

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Javier Milei, an ultra-conservative economist, has clinched a decisive victory to become the next president. The former TV pundit secured a win by over 10 points, defeating Sergio Massa, the economy minister from the ruling Peronist party, in the second round of the presidential election. Massa graciously accepted defeat, committing to support the president-elect's transition.

Addressing a jubilant crowd at the Libertador Hotel in Buenos Aires, Milei stressed the urgency of Argentina's "critical situation" and dismissed the idea of "half measures." He declared the end of the "model of decadence," acknowledging formidable challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty.

A political newcomer, Milei, representing the ultra-conservative libertarian party Freedom Advances, won a congressional seat just two years ago. Describing himself as an anarcho-capitalist, he pledged bold measures to combat Argentina's staggering inflation, exceeding 140%, by adopting the dollar and abolishing the Central Bank. He also vowed to cut down on the country's extensive state spending and subsidies, causing concern among loyal voters of the Peronist party, which suffered a double-digit defeat despite its formidable political machine.

Known for his flamboyant style and provocative antics, Milei, with his wild hair and long sideburns, is often likened to politicians like Donald Trump and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. Trump congratulated Milei on his victory, expressing confidence in his ability to "Make Argentina Great Again!" However, reactions in the region were mixed, with Colombia's left-wing president Gustavo Petro congratulating Milei but expressing sadness for Latin America.

The president-elect, a 53-year-old figure known for eccentricities and bold statements, including climate denial, once controversially labeled Argentine Pope Francis as a "filthy leftist" and a supporter of communists. Unmarried and self-proclaimed as a tantric sex expert, Milei considers his five Bullmastiff dogs, cloned from a past pet, as his "four-legged children." He is set to take office on Dec. 10.