Presidential election in Argentina

The election in Argentina has begun - expected to be a "nail biter"  

 

Argentine citizens go to the polls on Sunday at a time of intense polarization. The state of opinion is very even and the election is described by the news agencies as a "shudder" and a "nail biter".  

 

One of those who cast their vote is 33-year-old Sofia Speroni. She seems unconvinced of any alternative but ultimately chose right-wing populist Javier Milei because she believes change is needed in the economically troubled nation. 

 

Maria Carballo instead votes for the current economy minister Sergio Massa, who is described as a centre-left politician. The thought that Milei can win makes her feel like crying, says the 40-year-old.  

 

- His ideas scare me.  

 

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Analysis: If Milei wins, he will have Argentina's youngsters to thank  

 

Argentina's presidential election will be decided on Sunday, and upstart Javier Milei appears to have a marginal lead over opponent Sergio Massa. In an analysis in Foreign Policy, Lautaro Grinspan writes that the right-wing radical Milei owes much of his success to young voters. Almost half of the voters who are under the age of 29 state that they intend to vote for Milei. 

 

 Grinspan also writes that social media has been an important tool for Milei. Through videos and other content online, the politician has drummed out a message that "appeals to certain negative emotions such as anger, but also fear of what would happen if the next government is not led by him."  

 

On CNN's website, Stefano Pozzebon writes that the economy will be perhaps the most important issue in the election. The country suffers from one of the highest inflation rates in the world, and Milei has made the controversial proposal to abandon the Argentine peso in favor of the US dollar. Pozzebon notes that the idea has been both criticized and praised.  

 

If Milei becomes president of Argentina, it will be seen as a victory for other right-wing populists such as Jair Bolsonaro and Donald Trump, Pozzebon sums up.

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