Javier Milei has been president of Argentina since the 10th of December. Giving Trump a run for his money, he’s suggested that the sale of organs is “just another market”, and has been quoted as saying: “Fucking lefties”, and “If it were true that women earned less money, companies would be full of them”. First elected to public office in 2021 as a congressman for his party La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances), Milei had been in the public eye long before then. In the early 2010s, he made regular TV appearances as an economic panelist; his eccentric behaviour – he lives with five 100kg cloned dogs and once suggested he’d make his sister First Lady – and strong opinions winning him popularity with young men and the anti-peronist camp.
Since he entered politics, his markedly anti-progressive views and proposals have both alarmed and attracted different segments of society. Milei denies that climate change is a phenomenon caused by humans. He opposes the right to abortion (legalised in Argentina since 2020) and during his political campaign, he stated that he would call for a referendum to review the law: “If the result is in my favour, the law is eliminated. But let the Argentinians choose. If Argentinians believe in the murder of a defenceless human in the mother’s womb, we’ll see.” He also advocates for the free carrying of guns, which he considers the best way to prevent crime and violence. And that’s just the beginning.
But what brought Milei to the highest political office in the country? And why did almost 70% of young voters back him? The factors are multiple and complex. To begin with, the last government failed to solve the economic crisis that has been hitting Argentinians since 2014. In 2023, the poverty rate was close to 45% and young people were among the most hurt; a generation raised with a serious lack of opportunities and a gloomy perspective of the future. “We all agree, I think, that we live in a sea of uncertainty, terrified about the future,” Juan Elman, a young journalist from Buenos Aires recently reported. “Anti-progressivism is the current incarnation of that discomfort, and the extreme right capitalises on that.”
In his election campaign, Milei’s main fronts of attack were the economy and a “cultural battle” against progressive movements. His campaign centred around eccentric economic proposals, such as adopting the US Dollar, as well as backwards social moves like limiting the nation’s free access to sex education. In November, he confronted his final opponent in the running for president, Sergio Massa, who was at the time the economy minister. The two propositions were radically different: on one side, there was extreme right and on the other, a centre to centre-left peronist candidate.
Given the sorry state the last government left things in, it was difficult for many Argentinians to imagine how things could get any worse. Milei was quick to demonstrate how, announcing the repeal of 300 laws via presidential decree after just 10 days in office. This move included removing restrictions on the privatisation of state-owned companies, limitations on workers’ rights (including maternity leave), the end of regulations on trade, and modifications on housing rental and land ownership laws to allow for foreign investment. Juan Grabois, a social leader and politician, said: “It is a decree that instals an absolute monarchy (…) in his first few days, he uses illegitimate mechanisms to impose a system that does not harm the powerful, but the lower and middle classes.” Thousands of Argentinians have since taken to the streets in protest.
Here, 11 young creatives living in Buenos Aires share their opinions on the unfolding political situation.
Juan Francisco, 22, anthropology student, model and actor
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
I couldn’t understand how Argentina, a country with an incomparable history in the conquest of social rights and civil activism had voted for a dictator. How was it possible that the bases of tolerance were changed so fast? We’re seeing the advancement of a right wing with certain characteristics of this moment. A re-emergence of fascist traits, identity politics of hatred, revenge on “progressive achievements”, environmental extractivism and a new articulation of nationalism. The denial of social rights, free market dogmatism above any state planning policy (which, in Milei’s case, led him to define himself as an “anarcho-capitalist”), and a fervent opposition to the achievements of the latest wave of feminism.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
We find ourselves improvising our social and economic lives within this precarious labour structure. Traditional forms of work, family and envisioned futures are not relatable to the socio-economic crisis, and so Milei appears as a representation of the counterculture. His non-traditional ways of communication, his use of TikTok, and his striking public performances appeal to some young people.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
My friends. The human connections and networks that support each other. Community support systems like ollas populares, public services, neighbour activities, folk dances, and movidas sociales such as strikes and historical commemorations. Perhaps our “Argentine hot blood” is how we find ourselves intertwined, not only when it comes to facing a crisis but also as our particular way of living together. I also find hope in the public university (UNSAM) in which I study anthropology. Social sciences have an important role in putting into words forms of social oppression and violence; naming the injustices of the times.
Agustina, 29, designer, model and filmmaker
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
Anxiety, depression, hopelessness and fear.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
I think there are many factors, including the right’s huge campaign on TikTok. The bad government of Alberto Fernández. The influence of their parents’ opinion — influenced by the media which is run by the right. A lack of understanding of the past because history is not talked about enough in school since the educational reform.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
Leaning on my friends that are also sad about this, but each day it’s harder to find hope. Having the privilege of paying for therapy also helps.
Eme, 24, film student, tattoo + makeup artist and poet
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
Honestly, I’m scared. The future of our culture is at stake and given it’s already pretty challenging trying to make a living as an artist, I can’t imagine what will happen now that we are being governed by neo fascists.
The fact that Milei modified over 300 laws in less than 15 days and hasn’t even announced everything he did is absolute and complete madness. We are being governed by people who deny the military genocide that occurred in 1976, and that even encourage free right to bear weapons and compulsory military service. I’m scared because I’m a transgender man and my community is in a deep state of alert. Many of my friends have been violently harassed by Milei supporters. I had to run for a couple blocks when I got off at a train station because one of them screamed “what are you doing here you faggot?” and started chasing me. The fact that the LGBTIQ+ community has to live in fear in a city which has always been pretty advanced in regards to human rights is really alarming.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
I think out of all of the political candidates, La Libertad Avanza party was the better one at making politics. It’s impressive how within just two weeks they demonstrated that their two year campaign was entirely built around lies and extorted data. These misogynistic, homophobic, transphobic tiny-brained individuals will be the end for our country.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
Being surrounded by the people I love. Producing art which comes from my heart. Getting up on a stage and using my voice as a means of expression. Going out on the streets with those who experience the same rage. Being a force of resistance together.
Lady Ganjah, 28, artist and dance teacher
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
I think it’s more of the same. I don’t think people who want to do good go into politics, I see it as a reality show of power.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
Many of the young people who support governments lack true information about how political systems work — regardless of the government. I think it’s time to understand that no one is going to save or solve anyone’s life, even more so when it comes to people in power who move audiences through fear campaigns. Unity is strength and politicians always manage to divide the town in two. We are constantly bombarded with so much information that it takes away our own energy — at the end of the day, it starts with your own circle; understanding that will lead us to change the world and stop looking for blame outside.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
The beauty of the universe, art and communication give me hope; what makes me feel eternal; the ability to constantly create. There is always strength somewhere to keep moving. Beings who spread the flame of love and personal power give me hope.
Gerónimo, 22, dancer
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
I think that he represents people’s confusion and despair. I don’t like him, he’s an explicit fascist. But I think every politician is a fascist, so… The fear I used to feel turned into desire for action. We must open conversation and create new possible futures.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
I think he turned into a meme and our generation buys that. Digital media nowadays can be a dangerous and confusing territory. Things get out of context. People don’t see him as a twisted, macabre figure, but as a funny option that represents false liberty.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
My friends and our conversations. Animals. Food. Art. People willing to speak out and talk about discomfort.
Leandro, 18, medical student
What are your thoughts and feelings about Milei coming into power?
Fear and uncertainty.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
Mostly I think people voted for him because of anger, ignorance and the search for “truth”.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
Faith in myself.
Juan, 26, singer and actor
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
Mainly I feel fear. We saw a campaign where violence was used constantly, in every single speech, with a social perspective that slows the future we want to build. It also feels very uncertain. This is a person who didn’t have much experience in politics so it makes it difficult to understand how he’s going to solve our problems. It makes me sad to think that many of the measures that are being taken are to benefit those who are well off economically.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
The reality is, we’re not in a good place. I feel like young people voted for a change, believing that everything was going to be better. Many of them are living at home, watching TikTok and listening to what their parents say, without having much perspective about what is happening nowadays in terms of social rights. I think they voted with the anger that anyone would be better than the government that had previously ruled.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
My friendships and my personal projects. Through all of this, the best we can do is to keep channelling it into art.
Josefina, 28, vintage store owner
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
It’s hard to shake off the feeling of doom. We’ve seen this go down in history before and the results were pretty destructive. It feels like deja vu. All I want is for my country to do well and hopefully this government has the chance to prove me wrong.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
He caters to a group of people that felt “left out” and “marginalised” by the progressive movements of the last few years, mostly young men. Popular movements fighting for human rights will always come with groups of reactionaries. Most importantly I think there’s also a lot of people who can’t prioritise those fights over not having enough food or a roof over their heads. I think the president promised something different and that’s why he was elected. He was successful in masquerading the same rhetoric politicians had in the 90s that led us to misery. A lot of young people justified their vote by saying he wouldn’t do things like repeal the abortion law. But also, I know for a fact there are people who voted for him because they simply agree with his terrifying point of view, which makes the whole situation much more dire.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
At times of such uncertainty, it’s hard not to feel anxious all the time but I find hope in knowing that there’s a part of the population that doesn’t forget our history, and in that remembrance we can find the strength to fight for a better country for all. I trust we won’t let ourselves be placated and if or when the time comes, we’ll resist and plough forward.
Abuela, 27, artist and co-founder of Child Collective
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
Polarities, catastrophes and crises lead to revolutions. In my country, some forget that we are children of gauchos from the Pampas willing to defend our lands until the last days. Now we must redefine our reality from a place of love; redefine who we are as humans and what our relationships with society and nature should be in a century with the largest social ecological crisis that has existed in our history.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
Milei appears to many young people Argentina’s last hope, but the confusion and constant lies make them forget to look at the bigger picture.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?
My friends, my family, the countryside, plants, animals, love as the first natural law, respect, empathy, collective creativity, art, poetry and music. The change is in us, so promoting empathy and listening seems essential to me today; creating safe spaces for debate. We must fight for food, for clean and public water, for inter-connectivity and fewer generational gaps, for bringing sensitivity towards otherness, for ecofeminism and nature intelligence.
Eliseo, 24, musician, designer, model and actor
What are your thoughts and feelings about Milei coming into power?
Personally, I am afraid because this government’s ideology and proposals go against LGBTQ+ rights and those of other minorities. I think that Argentina is in danger of becoming a less safe place for diversity and minorities. However, I do believe in democracy and understanding the reasons he was voted for (or trying to), and that we as a community can protect each other.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
I think that Milei’s party’s major strength is their social media strategies, which gave them a big voice among the younger population. Also they were smart in understanding the discomfort with traditional politics and used that to attract the opposition. These two reasons, to me, are what set them apart from the others and made them so powerful.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?People’s sensibility and empathy gives me faith. I often feel that the world is only filled with suffering and injustice, but whenever I find sensitive artists who communicate kindness, who can see beauty, it gives me hope that a better place is possible.
Juan Müller, 25, actor, visual artist and law student
How do you feel about Milei coming into power?
I feel like it’s time to listen. Hearing my negative opinion on Milei isn’t going to build anything. Arguing angrily prevents dialogue from happening. Today we shall make a mea culpa in order to build something for the future.
Why do you think so many young people support him?
I believe that some values have been mistaken. I understand that, for instance, climate change is essential, but honestly it’s not an issue that will make you win the elections.
When it feels like the world is falling apart, what makes you feel hopeful?Times of crisis are when the culture is most united. It’s a good moment for artists, actors, musicians to be together. It’s a good moment to reflect and create.
Credits
Photography Barbi Arcuschin