Candidate Javier Milei — from the La Libertad Avanza coalition — came in second place in the 1st round of the elections for president in Argentina, due to his inconsistent proposals, assesses the professor of international relations at Unifesp, Regiane Bressan.
“The set [do 1° turno] It was surprising, because only one survey indicated Massa ahead”, points out the professor. “Milei came first in the primaries [Paso] August, he had a good performance. However, by presenting proposals that we know are inconsistent, he came in second place.”
The candidate who defines himself as an anarcho-capitalist — a model of capitalism in which there is little or no State regulation — came in second place in the election held yesterday (23), receiving 30.01% of the valid votes. Sergio Massa (Unión por la Patria coalition), who is the current Minister of Economy and candidate supported by Alberto Fernández, came in first place, with 36.64% of the votes.
The Unifesp professor’s reading is that, now, both candidates will seek to win over the voters of the former Minister of Security of the Macri government, Patricia Bullrich (Juntos por el Cambio), third placed in the elections, who ended with 23.83% of the votes. wishes.
“Bullrich’s voters will be highly contested by the two candidates, but with Massa coming out ahead in this first round, there are greater expectations surrounding his figure, as he has worked in different parties and political spectrums, with a traditional performance, being seen as a negotiator.”
Main proposals of the anarcho-capitalist candidate:
Milei’s inconsistent proposals indicated by the expert refer to the candidate’s plan to transform the country in three stages that will last 35 years, if he wins in the second round, scheduled for November 19th.
Milei’s government plan foresees significant cuts in public spending and a reform to reduce taxes, with flexibility in labor, commercial and financial areas.
Second-generation measures would include a reform to cut funds allocated to reforms and pensions, a reduction in the number of ministries to eight, and a gradual reduction in social plans. Still in the economic sphere, the “liquidation” of the Central Bank and reforms of the health, education and security systems are planned.
Other controversial proposals, such as the dollarization of the economy, make Milei the big news in Argentine politics in this year’s elections. However, the leader of La Libertad Avanza accumulates other controversies, as he has already encouraged citizens to get rid of any type of savings in local currency — which he called “excrement” — and to opt for the dollar.
He also said that the more expensive the peso-dollar exchange rate is, the better it will be for future dollarization, and estimated that even this monetary reform would only require 30 billion dollars.
Milei also revealed that if elected president, he will launch a bailout of the public debt in pesos at 25% of the nominal value, which politicians, other candidates, financial institutions and economists criticized.
Reforms
Among the ideas that the libertarian has publicly promoted and which are reflected in his government plan, economic reform stands out, exchange rate competition that could culminate in dollarization, the unification of the exchange rate, the reduction of State expenses and the privatization of public companies.
In fiscal terms, the reforms include the elimination or reduction of taxes on all types of import and export tariffs on inputs.
In the labor sphere, the candidate defends flexibility in contracts signed between workers and employers, which may include negotiating remuneration and replacing compensation for unfair dismissal with a type of unemployment insurance. All with the aim of reducing labor costs.
In the health field, decentralize hospital referrals, charge all health benefits and promote self-management of the health service, in addition to “creating universal health insurance that covers costs, preventive care, emergency procedures proportional to the ability to pay of the service by the beneficiary”.
In education, distribution of a type of vouchers or checks so that parents can find a school for their children on their own, as well as the elimination of mandatory sexual education, provided for in the curricula of Argentine schools.
Free carrying of weapons and militarization of prisons
In the field of public security, the government plan made available by Milei’s coalition foresees the deregulation of firearms ownership for greater access for Argentine citizens and the militarization of penitentiary establishments.
However, in a recent presidential debate, in response to a statement from opponent Patricia Bullrich, he backed down on the topic of deregulating gun ownership. “The law already exists, what we have to do is comply with it”, stated Milei, to which Bullrich asked him if in this case he would make a correction to what his government program says.
Among other points on public security, he evaluates the reduction of the age of criminal responsibility, immediate deportation of foreigners who commit crimes on Argentine soil, in addition to prohibiting the entry of foreigners with criminal records on Argentine soil.
Coalition diagnosis
According to the document registered with the National Electoral Chamber (CNE), the La Libertad Avanza coalition promotes values such as “meritocracy, defense of the right to life from conception, honesty in the administration of public resources” and establishes its foundations in the “free market and free competition”.
At the same time, he states that what he calls “populist and totalitarian governments” generated a “paternalistic State” that encouraged “relaxation of efforts” and discouraged private companies and people “who ended up going bankrupt or leaving the country”.
With information from Manuela Castro, from CNN in Spanish
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
