Javier Milei, the anarcho-capitalist who became Argentina's president

Javier Gerardo Milei, born October 22, 1970, in Buenos Aires, comes from a middle-class Argentine family.

There is nothing typical about Javier Milei as the head of state affairs.

Proclaiming himself an anarcho-capitalist, Milei served as an economist and a television personality before ascending from political obscurity to become the 59th President of Argentina in the year 2023. Through his use of populist rhetoric, libertarian principles, and a dramatic pledge to dismantle the political caste, he has repositioned Argentina in the global spotlight and fundamentally altered the fabric of Latin American political discourse.

However, who is Javier Milei if we are to go beyond the headlines, the jokes, and the hype surrounding his cryptocurrency endeavors? This article will delve into various aspects of his background, including his family history, educational background, political views, and even some of the scandals that have shadowed his administration, such as the infamous collapse of the $LIBRA cryptocurrency.

There is no doubt that Milei has altered the course of events, whether you regard him as a visionary reformer or a dangerous radical.

Who Is Javier Milei?

Known for his extreme libertarian philosophy, chainsaw economics, and vibrant public image, Javier Milei is the 59th President of Argentina. He was elected in 2023 and has been a divisive reformer ever since.

Early Life and Family

Born on October 22, 1970, in Buenos Aires to a middle-class Argentine family, Javier Gerardo Milei is the eldest of two children. His mother, Alicia Luján Lucich, was a homemaker, while his father, Norberto Milei, drove buses.

His younger sister, Karina Milei, whom he calls his other half, is one of his closest advisors. Together, they navigate the turbulent landscape of Argentine politics.

Early Education and Economic Studies

Milei graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Belgrano in the early 1990s. He furthered his studies with postgraduate work at the University of Torcuato Di Tella and the esteemed Instituto de Desarrollo Económico y Social (IDES), where his interest in Austrian economics and libertarian political philosophy deepened.

These intellectual pursuits shaped his unique brand of radical free-market ideology and his deep skepticism of socialist economic policies, which he frequently criticizes in his public speeches and writings.

Professional Career and Political Aspirations

Before entering politics, Milei taught university courses, served as a chief economist for financial companies, and authored several books, including Pandenomics and El Camino del Libertario. He was also a regular presence on Argentine television, where his dynamic and aggressive approach to economic issues made him a polarizing figure.

As a television personality, Milei gained notoriety for his outspoken criticism of inflation, corruption, and what he saw as the incompetence and greed of the ruling political class. His political ambitions were sparked by a desire to fundamentally change the economic and social landscape of Argentina.

National Deputy and the Rise of La Libertad Avanza

In 2021, Milei's political aspirations materialized when he was elected as a National Deputy for Buenos Aires under his newly established party, La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances). His campaign was a whirlwind of no-holds-barred speech, media-savvy maneuvering, and a dramatic promise to "blow up" the political system from within.

His opponents, whom he openly derided as "communists" and "socialists," were taken aback by the speed and ferocity of his ascent. As his supporters grew increasingly fervent, with some even donning masks of his face, the press dubbed him a "shock jock economist."

However, his supporters saw him as a prophet of truth, delivering blunt warnings about the impending doom that would befall Argentina if the people did not choose to rise up and overthrow the corrupt and incompetent leaders who had bankrupted the nation.

Unlikely Presidential Victory and Economic Agenda

In 2023, Milei pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent political history when he won the presidency in a runoff vote against Sergio Massa. Promising a program of dramatic economic liberalization, anti-socialist fervor, and a radical reform of Argentina's bloated bureaucracy, Milei secured 56 percent of the vote.

To symbolize what he meant to accomplish with public money, he carried a chainsaw to rallies and threatened to "slash" the programs of the social spenders.

His election was a turning point not only for Argentina but also for libertarian movements worldwide. Pledging to close down the central bank, replace the peso with the U.S. dollar, and introduce a flat tax, Milei positioned himself as the world's first openly libertarian head of state.

This brought reactions ranging from wary hope in global markets to alarmist warnings from economists used to the Keynesian orthodoxy of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had already bailed out Argentina several times to little avail.

Global interest in the 'Milei experiment' was evident as foreign media descended on Argentina to cover the candidate who promised to save the nation from