Who Is Javier Milei? Tucker Carlson's Next Big Interview

Javier Milei, an Argentine economist, author and politician, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Argentina's political and economic spheres.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1970, his libertarian views have both garnered admiration and sparked controversy, making him a topic of frequent discussion in the nation. He received the most votes in the presidential primary elections on Aug. 13.

This caught the eye of journalist Tucker Carlson, who is in Argentina. He spoke with Milei on Wednesday and the interview, according to Euro ES Euro, will be released in the coming days on Carlson's account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Educational and Professional Background: Milei earned his economics degree from the Universidad de Belgrano, followed by master's degrees from the Instituto de Desarrollo Económico y Social (IDES) and the Universidad Torcuato di Tella. He later received a doctorate from the Universidad del ESEADE.

Milei's early career involved teaching various economic subjects in both Argentine and international universities. He has penned numerous academic papers, articles and books. He held roles at Máxima AFJP, Estudio de Miguel Ángel Broda and HSBC and advised the Argentine government at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

Until December 2021, he was an executive at Corporación América.

Also Read: Javier Milei Advocates Dollarization, But Paul Krugman Prefers Euro Adoption For Buenos Aires — Here's Why

Political Journey: Milei is a member of La Libertad Avanza, a libertarian party. Milei's political platform emphasizes currency freedom, tax reductions, elimination of the central bank and a shift towards a private initiative system akin to Chile.

His victory in the primary elections, securing 30% of the votes, has reshaped Argentina's political narrative. His strong presence on social media, grassroots campaigning and television appearances have further amplified his reach.

Victoria Villarruel, known for her ties to the nation's armed forces, is Milei's choice for vice president, while Diana Mondino is slated for the role of Foreign Affairs Minister.

There's growing speculation that Milei might win the presidency of Argentina, with the only potential challenge being an unexpected resurgence from the current Minister of Economy Sergio Tomas Massa.

Milei's dominance on social media is evident. He appears to be shielded from criticism, with the opposition finding it challenging to counteract his influence.

Recent events suggest that Milei is not only weathering the political storms but thriving amidst them.

Benzinga spoke with David Urbani, a prominent youth figure and advocate from La Libertad Avanza, who shared his perspective: "Milei represents the discontent with two failed models that I, as a 20-year-old, experienced vividly: the Macri and Alberto-Cristina governments. He embodies the frustration with the political privileges overshadowing the hard-working Argentine, the true backbone of the nation's growth. He offers a chance for us to stay in the country, start families, and build our lives here."

When asked about his reaction to Milei's triumph, Urbani said, "I was overseeing the voting process, and when the official results came in at 32%, I was ecstatic. I remember all those times in high school, debating with classmates and teachers. To see that we are now supported by the majority is the best feeling one can have." (Initial results came in at 32% and the final recount was 29.86%)

Also Read: Argentinian Markets Hang In Balance As Pro-Bitcoin Presidential Candidate Javier Milei Sweeps Primary Election: 'Did Not Expect These Numbers'

Political Views and Controversies: Milei's libertarian principles advocate for a meritocratic system where work is the primary source of progress. He suggests a fee-based university system with voucher subsidies to enhance education through competition.

Internationally, he leans towards aligning Argentina with Western nations, especially the U.S. and Israel, while maintaining distance from China and Brazil.

He hasn't been without controversies, facing criticism for his temperament, pro-life stance and a philosophical discussion on organ sales, which he defended as academic.

Milei's ascent in Argentine politics indicates a shift in the country's political dialogue. His emphasis on libertarian values and his approach resonates with a significant segment of the Argentine population, especially the working class. As Argentina navigates its political future, Milei's vision may influence its trajectory.

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