Argentina 2023 elections: Milei shocks with landslide presidential win

Javier Milei, the far-right economist who wants to close down the Central Bank and liberalize gun ownership, has won Argentina’s presidential election.

Milei, of the La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances, or LLA) had 56% of the vote with 87% counted. Economy Minister Sergio Massa had 44%, a difference of 12 percentage points.

Before the results were formally announced, Sergio Massa, candidate for ruling Unión por la Patria (Union for the Homeland, or UxP) coalition, took to the stage to admit defeat and congratulate Milei on his victory.

The libertarian economist’s win turns Argentina’s political landscape on its head. Milei’s flagship proposals include shuttering Argentina’s central bank, dollarizing the economy, abolishing ministries including Women, Gender and Diversity and Environment, and privatizing healthcare and education.