Will libertarian be Argentina’s next president? Broad discontent fuels rise.
From the back of a pickup truck, Javier Milei grips a red chain saw and shakes it in the air.
Its motor blares and spews smoke as the libertarian economist defining Argentine politics in the run-up to the Oct. 22 presidential election leads a caravan through the streets in the province of Buenos Aires.
As Mr. Milei swings the chain saw – a nod to his plan to slash public spending and his desire to get rid of politics as usual – he screams, “The caste is trembling. The caste is trembling!” His fans go wild, shouting with approval.
Mr. Milei surprised many when his party won nearly 30% support in presidential primaries, catapulting the once-fringe economic pundit into the global spotlight. But observers say he’s tapped into widespread discontent among Argentines.
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