The presidential victory of Argentine libertarian economist Javier Milei prompted a wave of outrage and dismay among Latin American leftists.
Milei defeated socialist and outgoing Economy Minister Sergio Massa on Sunday by more than 11 percentage points, becoming not just the world’s first libertarian president but also the most-voted president in Argentina’s history, with more than 14.4 million votes.
Milei was immediately congratulated by leaders from the region and the world for his outstanding victory, including former President Donald Trump, who posted the slogan “Make Argentina Great Again” on his Truth Social media platform.
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The mood was far more somber among the region’s leftists.
The most notable leftist meltdown over Milei’s landslide victory came from Colombia’s far-left President Gustavo Petro. Petro, known for causing international incidents with his prolific tweeting, lamented Milei’s victory mere minutes after Massa conceded the presidency. Massa notably conceded before official election results were announced.
“The extreme right has won in Argentina; it is the decision of its society. Sad for Latin America and we shall see. Neo-liberalism no longer has a proposal for society, it cannot respond to the current problems of humanity,” Petro’s message read.
Ha ganado la extrema derecha en Argentina; es la decisión de su sociedad. Triste para América Latina y ya veremos… el neoliberalismo ya no tiene propuesta para la sociedad, no puede responder a los problemas actuales de la humanidad. https://t.co/TCqBPLSkkO
Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) November 19, 2023
Petro’s lamentation was in response to his predecessor, former President Iván Duque, congratulating Milei. Petro eventually followed up his initial message with another one, ultimately congratulating Milei on his victory.
“The relations between Colombia and Argentina, the ties between their peoples will be maintained in mutual respect. I congratulate Milei,” Petro’s second message read. “And we expect from the progressive Argentine the assessments that allow the Latin American peoples to learn from the lessons of history.”
Minutes later, Petro received a now-viral response from Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, who told him to “now say it without crying.”
Ahora dilo sin llorar ???? https://t.co/nrNVfwbIKo
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) November 20, 2023
Brazilian radical leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a close ally of the outgoing leftist presidency of Alberto Fernández and whose campaign strategists were actively enrolled in Massa’s now-failed presidential campaign, opted to issue a moderate public congratulations message that did not directly mention Milei, simply wishing “good luck and success” to the new Argentine government.
“Democracy is the voice of the people, and it must always be respected,” Lula posted Sunday evening. “My congratulations to the Argentine institutions for conducting the electoral process and to the Argentine people who participated in the election day in an orderly and peaceful manner.”
“I wish the new government good luck and success. Argentina is a great country and deserves all our respect.
