Libertarian candidate Javier Milei secured victory in the Argentinian presidential election on Sunday, defeating left-leaning economy minister Sergio Massa, according to The Associated Press.
Sergio Massa, Argentina’s economy minister, conceded defeat to populist Javier Milei in the highly polarized presidential runoff even before official results were released by the electoral authority, according to the AP. Milei secured roughly 56% of the votes while Massa garnered 44%. (RELATED: Argentine Presidential Candidate Tells Tucker Carlson What Advice He’d Give Americans, Donald Trump
“Today the reconstruction of Argentina begins. Today is a historic night for Argentina,” Milei said during his victory speech on Sunday, according to the Guardian. “Argentina will return to the place in the world which it should never have lost.”
Polls – which had shown a close race – tilted in favor of Milei, driven by his campaign tactics, who symbolically used a chainsaw to underscore his commitment to slashing government spending, according to the AP. Milei’s notable policy proposal to adopt the U.S. dollar as Argentina’s official currency is set to be implemented.
BREAKING:
Conservative ultra-libertarian Javier Milei wins the Argentine presidential election.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 19, 2023
Massa, a seasoned politician representing the political establishment, struggled with challenges linked to soaring inflation rates during his tenure, according to the AP. The election outcome demonstrates a shift in Argentina’s political landscape with voters endorsing Milei’s vision for change.
Polls closed at 6 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET). Milei’s victory is likely to bring policy changes, including shifts in abortion and climate change stances, according to the AP. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed Milei’s candidacy.
Milei did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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