(IntegrityPress.org) – The new president of Argentina, Javier Milei, has pledged to guide the nation out of a prolonged period of economic decay, all while wielding a chainsaw at his inauguration. However, he acknowledged that the ongoing economic crisis would likely intensify in the months ahead. The inauguration drew attention as prominent figures from the global far-right, including Jair Bolsonaro, Viktor Orbán, and Santiago Abascal, joined the ceremony in Buenos Aires.
Addressing a large crowd outside the neoclassical congress building, Milei, a former TV celebrity known as El Loco, compared his election to a pivotal moment in history, akin to the collapse of the Soviet Union. He emphasized the need for a drastic transformation to lead Argentina toward a new era of peace and prosperity.
Despite his ambitious vision, Milei cautioned about the emergency situation facing Argentina, which is grappling with soaring inflation and has a significant portion of the population living in poverty. His speech echoed themes reminiscent of Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration, highlighting the need to combat crime and restore safety to the streets.
Milei’s swearing-in ceremony witnessed the presence of far-right leaders from various countries, such as Bolsonaro, Orbán, and Spain’s Vox party leader Santiago Abascal. Notably absent were left-wing leaders like Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Gustavo Petro, while authoritarian figures like Nicolás Maduro and Daniel Ortega were not invited.
Supporters from across Argentina attended the event, hoping for a historic turning point. While some expressed the need for absolute change, others celebrated what they saw as a day of freedom. The presence of Brazilian conservatives underscored the significance of Milei’s inauguration for the broader Latin American right.
As Milei embarked on his presidency, questions lingered about the nature of his government and the policy measures he might enact. Despite his initial radical promises, there are indications that Milei may be moderating some proposals, seeking to repair relations with various countries and address economic challenges. The coming days will likely clarify the direction of Argentina under its new controversial leader.
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