Reactions have been combined because the world reacts to the election of libertarian outsider Javier Milei as the subsequent president of Argentina.
Taking an opportunity on the eccentric economist’s programme of radical reform after many years of financial stagnation, the Latin American nation handed Milei an amazing victory on Sunday.
His election heralds a dramatic shake-up of the nation’s financial system and establishments amid public anger over excessive inflation and file poverty charges beneath the centre-left Peronist coalition.
“I am a man of democracy, and I value nothing more than the popular verdict. I trust that tomorrow we can start working with Javier Milei to guarantee an orderly transition,” mentioned outgoing President Alberto Fernandez.
“I congratulate Javier Milei for bravely representing the will to advance and prosper that lives in the hearts of Argentinians. He knew how to listen to the voice of young people and the fatigue of millions of neglected and impoverished people,” mentioned former President Mauricio Macri.
Reactions from throughout the globe illustrated that many states are nervous about the place Milei may lead the Latin American nation.
Voice of the individuals
Washington’s response got here through Nationwide Safety Adviser Jake Sullivan, who congratulated the president-elect, in addition to “the people of Argentina for holding free and fair elections”.
“We look forward to building on our strong bilateral relationship based on our shared commitment to human rights, democratic values, and transparency,” he added.
“Democracy is the voice of the people, and it must always be respected … I wish the new government good luck and success,” mentioned Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.”
Nonetheless, not all within the neighbourhood had been so conciliatory.
“The extreme right has won in Argentina. It is the decision of its society. Sad for Latin America, and we’ll see …The relationships between Colombia and Argentina, the bonds between their communities are maintained in mutual respect. I congratulate Milei,” mentioned Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro.
“As president of Chile, I will work tirelessly to keep our sister nations united and collaborating for the well-being of all,” mentioned Chilean President Gabriel Boric.
Multipolar world
“Argentina is a close partner of the European Union. I thank Alberto Fernandez for the excellent cooperation over the last years. I look forward to continuing this cooperation for the benefit of our peoples,” wrote President of the European Council Charles Michel on X.
Congratulations to Argentina’s new President-elect @JMilei for his victory. The individuals of #Argentina have spoken in free & democratic elections.
Argentina is an in depth companion of the European Union. I thank @alferdez for the wonderful cooperation during the last years.
I look…
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) November 20, 2023
Russia additionally reacted with warning. Milei has beforehand spoken of reassessing relations with Moscow and help for Ukraine.
“We hope that the course towards commitment to multipolarity, independent foreign policy and a firm defense of national interests will be further developed. We are confident that this will be facilitated by Argentina’s accession to BRICS, which will open up new horizons and opportunities for it,” Russia’s ambassador to Argentina, Dimitry Feokitistov, mentioned, in line with Russian state information company RIA Novosti.
Kremlin spokesperson Dimitry Peskov informed reporters that the Kremlin had taken be aware of statements about Russia from Milei however wished to keep up robust ties with Buenos Aires.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was rather more forthcoming.
“Congratulations to Javier Milei on his convincing victory in Argentina’s presidential elections,” Zelenskyy wrote on X. “I appreciate his clear stance in support of Ukraine. I look forward to working together to strengthen our cooperation and restore international order based on international law.”
Congratulations to @JMilei on his convincing victory in Argentina’s presidential elections. I recognize his clear stance in help of Ukraine. I sit up for working collectively to strengthen our 🇺🇦🇦🇷 cooperation and restore worldwide order primarily based on worldwide regulation.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 20, 2023
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of International Affairs mentioned that Beijing hopes to “continue our friendship, boost our respective development and revitalisation with win-win cooperation”.
China is a significant creditor for Argentina’s struggling financial system.
Kristalina Georgieva, head of the Worldwide Financial Fund, with which Buneo Ares has a $44bn mortgage programme, wrote: “Congratulations to President-elect Javier Milei. We look forward to working closely with him and his administration in the period ahead to develop and implement a strong plan to safeguard macroeconomic stability and strengthen inclusive growth for all Argentinians.”
Congratulations to 🇦🇷 President-elect Javier Milei @JMilei. We sit up for working intently with him and his administration within the interval forward to develop and implement a robust plan to safeguard macroeconomic stability and strengthen inclusive development for all Argentinians.
— Kristalina Georgieva (@KGeorgieva) November 20, 2023
Former US president Donald Trump, to whom Milei is commonly in contrast, additionally despatched congratulations.
“Congratulations to Javier Milei on a great race for president of Argentina. The whole world was watching! I am very proud of you. You will turn your country around and truly Make Argentina Great Again!”
Argentina’s former president, Jair Bolsanaro, additionally reacted fortunately.
“Congratulations to the Argentine people for Javier Milei’s victory. Hope will shine again in South America. May these good winds reach the United States and Brazil so that honesty, progress and freedom come back to all of us,” he mentioned.