Javier Milei (born October 22, 1970, Buenos Aires, Argentina) is a tempestuous and unconventional right-wing figure who ascended to the presidency of Argentina in 2023, propelled by widespread public dissatisfaction with a political elite held accountable by his supporters for relentless hyperinflation, a collapsing currency, and a growing impoverished populace.
A staunch libertarian economist who identifies as an anarcho-capitalist, Milei first captivated the national stage as an audacious television commentator and vocal opponent of Argentinaβs political establishment.
His brash and unapologetic demeanor earned him comparisons to former U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilβs former leader, Jair Bolsonaro.
Javier Milei Early Life and Education
Born to Alicia Lujan Lucich, a homemaker, and Norberto Horacio Milei, a bus driver of Italian ancestry who eventually achieved success as an entrepreneur, Milei spent his early years in the upper-middle-class Villa Devoto neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
He recalls his childhood as turbulent, marked by a strained relationship with his parents, who were reportedly both physically and verbally abusive toward him. As an adult, Milei severed communication with them for nearly a decade.
In contrast, his maternal grandmother and his younger sister, Karina Milei, were instrumental in offering him support during his formative years. During his schooling, he earned the moniker βEl Locoβ (The Madman), a nod to his fiery rhetoric, outspokenness, and unruly anger.
Initially, Milei harbored passions for music and soccer, performing as the lead singer of a Rolling Stones tribute band and excelling as a goalkeeper for the lower tiers of Chacarita Juniors.
The seismic disruptions caused by hyperinflation in Argentina during the late 1980s profoundly impacted Milei, prompting him to set aside music and football to pursue a path in economics. He enrolled at the University of Belgrano, immersing himself in Keynesian economics and securing an internship at the Central Bank.
After completing his economics degree, Milei continued his studies at the Institute of Economic and Social Development and Torcuato Di Tella University, earning dual master’s degrees. It was during this period that Milei’s perspective on economics began to shift, especially after encountering the libertarian ideals of Murray Rothbard, who laid the foundations for anarcho-capitalism. Rothbard’s philosophy advocates for the voluntary exchange of goods and services, arguing that a society should be governed by market forces rather than state-imposed regulations. As Milei explored the classical liberal theories of F.A. Hayek and Ludwig von Mises, he became increasingly critical of government intervention, excessive public spending, and high taxes, which he believed hindered a nation’s economic prosperity.
Javier Milei Economics Career
After completing his formal education, Milei embarked on a career in the private sector, initially working as an economist for HSBC Argentina and later serving as the head economist for MΓ‘xima AFJP, a private pension fund established in the 1990s. The fund, initially managed by Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo, was integral to Argentinaβs social security system until its nationalization in 2008. That same year, Milei transitioned to CorporaciΓ³n AmΓ©rica, a vast conglomerate owned by billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian, with investments in energy, infrastructure, and agribusiness, in addition to operating most of Argentina’s airports. Milei also held the role of chief economist at the think tank FundaciΓ³n Acordar and worked as a university lecturer. His early career, however, became a source of controversy when he provided counsel to Antonio Bussi, a former military general sentenced to life in prison for his role in Argentinaβs Dirty War, during Bussi’s governorship of TucumΓ‘n province.
Over-the-Top Television Punditry
In the mid-2010s, Milei transitioned to television, making his mark as an outspoken pundit offering fiery critiques of the governments of Presidents Cristina FernΓ‘ndez de Kirchner, Mauricio Macri, and Alberto FernΓ‘ndez. He lashed out at the political establishment, branding them as corrupt thieves and labeling them the βpolitical caste.β As his appearances grew bolder and more theatrical, Mileiβs fame surged. On one occasion, he smashed a piΓ±ata shaped like the Argentine Central Bank. In another, he donned the guise of a masked superhero, General Ancap, who led a fictional country free from taxes, serenading the audience with an operatic warning about the nation’s economic decline. By 2018, Mileiβs media presence had become ubiquitous, with his appearances often valued more for their entertainment appeal than their policy insight. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Milei gained further prominence by vehemently criticizing the government’s pandemic response and casting doubt on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Entry into Politics and Presidential Run
Spurred on by supporters, Milei entered the political arena in 2021, founding the political coalition La Libertad Avanza (βLiberty Advancesβ) and successfully running for a seat in the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of the federal legislature. Upon taking office, Milei showed little interest in engaging with the daily workings of government but drew attention by raffling off his monthly salary on social media to his supporters. His rise seemed to signal an alignment with the international far-right, evident when he attended the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Brazil in June 2022, where he was welcomed by Brazilian Congressman Eduardo Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. As Milei’s presidential aspirations became more apparent, his pugnacious, outsider persona and anti-establishment stance attracted comparisons to Bolsonaro and Trump.
Positioning himself as the candidate for La Libertad Avanza in the 2023 presidential election, Milei outlined a radical platform echoing themes from his earlier television appearances. He proposed dismantling the Central Bank, replacing the Argentine peso with the U.S. dollar, and slashing government spending by eliminating key ministries, including education, health, and public works, while favoring private investment. In his pursuit to minimize government, Milei promised to reduce employer costs, relax labor laws, and maintain a tax-free environment. He even symbolized his radical approach by carrying a chainsaw on the campaign trail. Among his more contentious views were his rejection of the human contribution to climate change, advocacy for deregulated gun ownership, legalization of organ sales, and opposition to mandatory sex education in schools (which he denounced as part of a Marxist plot to undermine the traditional family). He also stood against abortion, despite its legalization in Argentina.
During the August primaries (PASO), Milei shocked the political establishment by securing 30% of the vote, surpassing predictions that had placed him at just 20%. His closest rival, Minister of Economics Sergio Massa, received 22% of the vote, while Patricia Bullrich of the conservative Juntos por el Cambio coalition garnered 28%. In the first round of the general election in October, Massa led with 37%, while Milei secured 30%, and Bullrich trailed with 24%. Since no candidate had obtained a majority, a runoff election was set between Massa and Milei for November 19.
Amidst Argentina’s dire economic conditionβwhere inflation had surpassed 140%, the currency had devalued drastically, and nearly half the population lived in povertyβMileiβs message resonated with voters disillusioned with the political class. As the election approached, Milei made unsubstantiated claims about electoral fraud but ultimately triumphed in the runoff, winning 56% of the vote compared to Massaβs 44%. However, his ability to implement his radical reforms was uncertain, as his party held only 38 seats in the 257-seat Chamber of Deputies and 8 seats in the 72-member Senate.
Javier MileiΒ Personal Life
Milei’s unkempt long hair and bushy sideburns have earned him the nickname “the Wig,” drawing comparisons to Wolverine, a Marvel comic character. He is the proud owner of four mastiffs, named after his favorite economists, cloned from Conan, a deceased dog to whom Milei shared a deep bond. According to the unauthorized biography El Loco: La Vida Desconocida de Javier Milei y su IrrupciΓ³n en la PolΓtica Argentina by Juan Luis GonzΓ‘lez, Milei has consulted with a medium to communicate with Conan’s spirit for guidance.
Although he was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, Milei has been notably critical of Pope Francis and has expressed a desire to convert to Judaism. He remains unmarried but has begun a romantic relationship with actress and impressionist FΓ‘tima FlΓ³rez, renowned for her impersonation of former President Cristina FernΓ‘ndez de Kirchner. Despite his relationship with FlΓ³rez, Milei has humorously suggested that his sister, Karina, who played a crucial role in his presidential campaign, might fulfill the role of Argentina’s First Lady.