Milei, according to columnist, is losing outsider image in Argentina — Buenos Aires Times
In Argentina, President Javier Milei is facing negative ratings ahead of next year's elections, conflicts within his own political camp and dissatisfaction among part of society with the economic situation. At the same time, he retains a significant group of supporters, Buenos Aires Times writes in a column about the transformation of the president's political image.
Economic policy and alliances
The author notes that instead of the campaign promises to eliminate the Central Bank and dollarize the economy, Milei's administration is pursuing a traditional austerity policy. Economy Minister Luis “Toto” Caputo has led this course with the rhetorical support of the president, who promised “chainsaw austerity” during the campaign.
According to the columnist, GDP growth was concentrated in several extractive sectors that do not require large numbers of workers. At the same time, the services and consumption sectors were contracting, while wages and jobs became important public issues. The author also writes that keeping the US dollar's value in check created a sense of growing prosperity for wealthier groups, while other citizens faced rising prices and unemployment.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
After coming to power, Milei's La Libertad Avanza coalition made an agreement with the political forces of former President Mauricio Macri. Patricia Bullrich and Luis Petri joined the ranks of the government, while Caputo and Federico Sturzenegger, who had previously worked in the Macri administration, received key roles in economic policy and deregulation. To advance the Ley de Bases package of structural reforms, the authorities also formed alliances with provincial governors and other political forces.
Internal struggle and electoral prospects
The column discusses a struggle for influence within the movement of Milei's supporters, in particular between his sister Karina Milei and political strategist Santiago Caputo. The author writes that corruption allegations have emerged regarding a number of people linked to the administration, but presents them specifically as allegations rather than established facts.
In the columnist's view, Milei is increasingly using approaches traditional to Argentine politics. As an example, he cites the authorities' active promotion of the issue of the Malvinas Islands in the dispute with the United Kingdom, which was brought before the UN. The author also believes that the president's electoral base has shifted toward older voters in major cities, moving closer to the traditional anti-Peronist electorate. Among Milei's key political opponents, the column mentions Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof.
