Argentina's Presidential Race Shaken by Rise of Trump Supporter

author: FutureCar Staff    

Argentina recently held mandatory primary elections, with 69 percent of the country's 35 million voters participating. This marked the lowest participation rate since the system was established in 2009. The major parties had contested races for their presidential candidate nominees, while one candidate, Milei, was uncontested. Despite being an upstart candidate, Milei gained significant support and is now considered a real contender for the presidency.

In neighboring Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro served as president from 2019 to 2022 and shared a similar anti-left and anti-social justice stance. Right-wing populists are also gaining traction in other countries, such as El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele's tough-on-crime approach has led to human rights abuses.

With around 97 percent of polling locations reporting, Milei secured around 30 percent of the total vote, according to official results. The main opposition coalition, United for Change, received 28 percent, while the current governing coalition, Union for the Homeland, had 27 percent. In order to win the vote in two months, Milei would need to increase his share of the nation's votes by 15 percent, which is a challenging task.

If no candidate receives 45 percent of the vote, they would need 40 percent and a 10-point lead over the second-place candidate to avoid a November runoff. Milei celebrated his election headquarters and pledged to bring an end to the corrupt political system in Argentina. His supporters are excited about the prospect of change and a break from the cycle of alternating parties in power.

Milei has been a lawmaker in Argentina's Congress since 2021. The country is currently facing high inflation, increasing poverty rates, and a depreciating currency. Milei initially gained support by advocating for replacing the peso with the US dollar, although achieving this would require congressional support, which is unlikely. He has suggested a referendum or non-binding popular vote on the issue, but it remains uncertain whether he would be able to push it through without the support of MPs.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador commented on the vote in Argentina, stating that inflation and economic crises tend to benefit the right and conservatism. He mentioned Hitler as an example, emphasizing that inflation played a role in his rise to power. Bolsonaro's son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, celebrated the results and expressed hope for real change in Argentina. Former president Bolsonaro even wished Milei luck in the election through a video message.

The main opposition coalition, United for Change, shifted more to the right, while the currently governing coalition, Union for the Homeland, faced voter frustration over the poor state of the economy. Milei's supporters are optimistic that his support will continue to grow leading up to the October elections.

FutureCar Staff