The radical libertarian populist president (Intermediate)

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Javier Milei, an ultra-conservative economist, has been elected as the next president by a large majority. With almost all the votes counted, the former TV pundit came out ahead by over 10 points. The far-right populist, who is also a first-time congressman, clinched victory in the second round of the presidential election, defeating Sergio Massa, the economy minister from the ruling Peronist party. Massa acknowledged his defeat shortly after the polls closed and committed to assisting the president-elect during the transition to power.

Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at the Libertador Hotel in Buenos Aires, Milei emphasized that Argentina is in a "critical situation" and now is not the time for "half measures." He declared an end to the "model of decadence," stating that there's no turning back and acknowledging monumental challenges such as inflation, unemployment, and poverty.

Milei, a political newcomer, secured a seat in Congress two years ago with his ultra-conservative libertarian party, Freedom Advances. Describing himself as an anarcho-capitalist, he vowed to tackle Argentina's soaring inflation, currently exceeding 140%, by adopting the dollar and eliminating the Central Bank. He also pledged to cut down on the country's substantial state spending and subsidies, causing concern among loyal voters of the Peronist party, which, despite its strong political machine, suffered a double-digit defeat.

Known for his outspoken style and outrageous behavior, Milei's appearance, with unruly hair and long sideburns, draws comparisons to politicians like Donald Trump and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. Trump congratulated Milei on his victory, expressing confidence that he will "Make Argentina Great Again!" The reaction in the region was mixed, with Colombia's left-wing president Gustavo Petro congratulating Milei but describing the result as "sad for Latin America."

The president-elect, a 53-year-old with eccentricities and bold statements, is set to take office on Dec. 10. Milei, a climate-denying provocateur, once controversially labeled Argentine Pope Francis as "a filthy leftist" and accused him of supporting communists. Unmarried, he claims to be a tantric sex expert and considers his five Bullmastiff dogs, cloned from a past pet, as his "four-legged children."