Larry Weymouth: Former President Alberto Fernández reportedly had plans to increase Argentina’s dependence on Russia and engagement with China just two years ago. But you changed Argentina’s attitude and brought Argentina closer to the United States and Israel.
Javier Millay: absolutely. We have embarked on a fundamental change in our country’s international policy. We have decided to uphold the ideals of freedom that are the foundation of the West and have brought so much prosperity to the world.
What does west side mean? America and Europe?
Yes, the United States and I attach particular importance to Israeli values as the basis of Western thinking. Europe is similar, but to a lesser extent given the significant advances in the regulatory framework there.
Many may wonder why you support Israel so shamelessly. In fact, you are actually discussing conversion to Judaism. [Milei revealed at an event in Miami that his grandfather’s mother was Jewish.]
My first diplomatic visit as president was to Israel. I went there to express my support not only for Israel but for the people.
As you know, there is intense political debate in the United States about the fight between Israel and Hamas. Why do you support Israel so strongly?
From my point of view, I think the strategy that Israel is pursuing is the correct one, since it is acting according to international guidelines and it is impossible to negotiate with terrorists. Immediately after the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, I condemned the terrorist attack and supported Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense.
During your presidential campaign, you warned the public that it would be very difficult to get Argentina out of its current economic predicament, that inflation would be incredibly high and that major budget cuts would be necessary. . You have submitted an omnibus bill to Congress that includes many of the financial reforms you wish to implement by abolishing entire ministries. How are things going after your first 100 days?
We took office in December under the worst possible circumstances. The country was suffering from a budget deficit and external deficit that amounted to 17% of GDP. At the same time, severe monetary imbalances were occurring.
What are the central bank’s reserves…?
Minus $11.5 billion. Inflation was over 200 percent. Faced with this situation, we have decided to reduce public spending by 6% within a month.
Yes, it has been reduced. As a result, the budget deficit was reduced by 6%. This will be the largest fiscal adjustment in history. The inflation rate in December last year was 25%. Now it’s 10 percent. We expect the number to remain in the single digits from April to May.
What will life be like for the majority of people? That must be very difficult.
Seventy-five percent of the population acknowledges that current living conditions are worsening, but 70% are confident that inflation can be overcome. Therefore, my approval rating remains at the same level as when I took office. After such a long period of populist darkness, the Argentine people finally seem determined to get on the right path.
Are you talking about former president Néstor and Christina Kirchner?
The Kirchner family is not alone. Argentina has experienced about 100 years of populism.
your hug Former President Donald Trump’s comments at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February caused a huge stir in the United States. what do you think about him?
From my perspective, Donald Trump was able to understand that the important battle to be fought was against nationalists and socialists. In any case, aside from my own Republican support, my alliance is with the United States, regardless of whether the president is a Democrat or a Republican.
What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now? You won’t be able to get the bill through the Legislature, and you’ll have to fight with the governors. How can I resolve this?
We will continue to advance our structural reform program. If Congress blocks our reforms now, they could push them through after December 11, 2025, after we win a landslide in the midterm elections.
But it’s a long wait, right?
When we first took office, we submitted 1,000 structural reform proposals to Congress. After the midterm elections, we will implement 3,000 additional structural reforms.
This series of reforms will bring Argentina closer to Germany in terms of economic freedom.
Do you think you can do that?
And people stick with you?
People support me because the Argentine people understand that any other path is a path to misery.
There have already been two large-scale national strikes, right?
Like politicians and parliaments, trade unions are becoming increasingly unpopular. Argentines know there is light at the end of the tunnel.
