Opposite are the country’s current finance minister, Peronist Sergio Massa, and economist Javier Milei, a right-wing populist challenging the ruling parties.
The second round of presidential elections will be held in Argentina today. Opposite are the country’s current finance minister, the Peronists Sergio Massa and a right-wing populist challenging the ruling parties, an economist Javier Milei.
The first round of elections was organized in October, when Massa collected almost 37 percent of the votes, Milei’s catch was almost 30 percent. Neither candidate received more than 45 percent of the vote, so the election proceeded to the second round.
Milei has accused the voting result of the first round as incorrect.
– There were so many irregularities that they put the result in doubt.
The opera performance turned into shouting
The presidential election has been overshadowed by Argentina’s economic difficulties, which are the most difficult in two decades. The country’s inflation has risen to 143 percent and two out of five citizens live in poverty. At the same time, economic problems have raised tensions before the elections.
On Friday, Milei visited a performance at the well-known opera house in Buenos Aires, where the situation escalated into a cry from Milei’s opponents and supporters.
– You are a dictator, part of the audience shouted at Milei and called him “trash”.
Milei has been criticized for underestimating the death toll of the military junta that ruled the country from 1976 to 1983.
Two different candidates
Massa and Mile have very different views on how Argentina should solve its chronic economic problems. Milei’s goal has been to reduce the country’s public administration and dollarize Argentina’s economy. He has also said that he considers climate change a lie.
Massa has warned voters that Milei’s election would lead to the downfall of public sector education, health care, government grants and welfare programs. Milei has denied the allegations.
Sources: AP, Reuters