In a scene that seems more from a dystopian novel than reality, thousands of adoring fans, predominantly men, filled a Buenos Aires arena to venerate their self-proclaimed “King,” the Argentine president Javier Milei. As the country's economy collapses and the value of the peso plummets to near waste paper, Milei's cult following only seems to grow stronger. His rhetoric steeped in machismo, epitomized by his declaration “I am the king of a lost world! I am the king and I will destroy you! ”He resonates with fans who see him as a savior figure.
Without falling into easy judgments, however, it is necessary to carefully observe the reasons for Javier Milei's attractiveness and the possible consequences of his "reign".
The context of the Argentine crisis
To understand the rise of JavierbMilei and his almost messianic following, it is essential to frame the phenomenon in the context of the profound economic and social crisis gripping Argentina. The country is going through a phase of hyperinflation, with the Peso having lost much of its value and the prices of basic necessities skyrocketing.
Unemployment is high, businesses are closing and poverty is rampant. In this scenario of strong uncertainty, large segments of the population seem to be looking for a strong and charismatic guide, capable of offering clear and reassuring solutions, even at the cost of authoritarian tendencies.
Machismo as the key to Javier Milei's success
Javier Milei perfectly embodies, or interprets, if you like, the archetype of the "all in one piece" leader. With his direct and aggressive language, his high-sounding proclamations and his image of a strong man and decision-maker, he presents himself as a champion of the oppressed, a "king" ready to destroy the corrupt system and return power to the people. It is no coincidence that the majority of his base is male.
His rhetoric leverages feelings of anger, frustration and revenge, particularly widespread among Argentine males affected by the crisis. In a context of identity confusion and loss of status, Milei offers a model of masculinity that tells of redemption and triumph, capable of reviving the country's fortunes and restoring national pride.
The risks of a cult of personality
What could be the trajectory of this almost religious adoration that surrounds Javier Milei? Historically, the equation that combines the cult of personality and economic fragility has always given bitter results. Blind faith in the leader, the demonization of opponents, the exaltation of strength and verbal violence are all authoritarian slips.
The saviors of the country often turn into despots, more interested in consolidating their own power than in solving the real problems of the people. Is it true or not?
Javier Milei, three key choices with uncertain effects
Three key provisions of Javier Milei's administration that could have controversial effects on Argentina's future are:
- Weight devaluation: Milei devalued the peso by 54%, accelerating already very high inflation rates. At the moment, the result is a collapse in wages and purchasing power.
- Economic reforms and spending cuts: The president has introduced radical austerity measures, including spending cuts, privatizations and the restoration of taxes on income and foreign trade. These measures have sparked protests by the unions, who consider them too drastic and harmful to the economy and citizens' standard of living.
- Limitations on trade union and protest rights: Milei introduced a “protocol” extending police powers to maintain public order and limits the right to protest. A measure that could lead to further social and political tensions.
A "horse cure" born amidst proclamations of relaunch, but seasoned with chiaroscuro formulas and choices social e cultural with a questionable cut.
Beyond the myth of the strong man
Faced with the rise of Milei and his cult anarchocapitalist an effort of critical analysis and demystification is needed. Without denying the authenticity of the social malaise that fuels its consensus, it is necessary to question its simplistic recipes and its astonishing promises.
Argentina has already experienced the drama of dictatorships and populism in its history. It is up to the wisdom of its citizens not to fall back into the same mistakes and to bet on a future of democracy and progress. Because no "king" or messiah will ever be able to replace popular sovereignty and collective responsibility in building the common good.
