Javier Milei
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Javier Gerardo Milei (born 22 October 1970) is an Argentine politician and economist who has served as President of Argentina since 2023. Milei also served as a national deputy representing the City of Buenos Aires for the party La Libertad Avanza from 2021 until his resignation in 2023 due to him being elected President of Argentina that same year. Born in Buenos Aires, Milei attended the University of Belgrano, where he obtained a degree in economics, and later obtained a master's degree from the Institute of Social and Economic Development, and another one from the private Torcuato di Tella University. Milei later became a professor of macroeconomics. He rose to public prominence in the 2010s by appearing as a pundit on various television programmes in which he was a vocal critic of the Argentine political establishment. In the 2021 legislative election Milei was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, representing the City of Buenos Aires for La Libertad Avanza. As a national deputy, he limited his legislative activities to voting, focusing instead on critiquing Argentina's political elite and its propensity for high government spending. Milei pledged not to raise taxes, and donated his national deputy salary through a monthly raffle. He defeated the incumbent economy minister, Sergio Massa, in the second round of the 2023 presidential election, on a platform that held the ideological dominance of Kirchnerism responsible for the ongoing Argentine monetary crisis. Milei is known for his flamboyant personality, distinctive personal style, and strong media presence, including his catchphrase "¡Viva la libertad, carajo!". He has been described politically as a right-wing populist and right-wing libertarian who supports laissez-faire economics, aligning specifically with minarchist and anarcho-capitalist principles. Milei has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the country's fiscal and structural policies. On social issues he opposes abortion and euthanasia, and supports civilian ownership of firearms. He also supports freedom of choice on drug policy and prostitution. In foreign policy he advocates closer relations with the United States and with Israel.