Unexpected victory
Official results showed Mr Milei won nearly 56% of the vote against 44% for his main rival, Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who conceded defeat in a speech.
Javier Milei (waving) won a surprise victory in Argentina's presidential election. Photo: AP
In downtown Buenos Aires, hundreds of Milei supporters honked car horns and chanted his name. Some lit fireworks as the excitement spread.
“We came to celebrate this historic victory. Honestly, I am very happy. Milei represents change for the better,” said Efrain Viveros, a 21-year-old student from Salta province.
Minister Massa said in a speech that he congratulated Mr Milei and said the liberal now needed to show his readiness. “From tomorrow, the responsibility for maintaining stability rests with Milei,” he said.
Mr Milei has pledged to deliver shock economic measures. His bold plans include closing the central bank, eliminating the peso and slashing spending - reforms that could cause major upheavals in the crisis-hit economy.
“Milei is something new, he’s a little bit strange and a little bit scary, but it’s time to turn the page,” said Cristian, a 31-year-old restaurant worker, as he cast his vote on Sunday.
Mr Milei's challenges are enormous. He will have to deal with an empty treasury, a $44 billion debt program to the International Monetary Fund, inflation of nearly 150% and many other major problems.
Liberal and change-loving
Mr. Milei is especially popular among young people, who have grown up watching Argentina lurch from one crisis to another.
“Maybe not everything Milei says I agree with or can identify with, but he is our future,” said Irene Sosa, a 20-year-old student.
An Argentine child shows support for Mr. Javier Milei. Photo: AP
Mr Milei's victory has shaken up Argentina's political landscape and economic trajectory, and could impact future grain, lithium and hydrocarbon trade policies.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wished Milei luck and success after the results were announced. Former US President Donald Trump also congratulated Milei, saying the liberal leader would make "Argentina great again".
The shock rise of Mr. Milei, a 53-year-old economist and former television pundit, has broken the dominance of Argentina's two main political forces, the left and the right — the Peronists and the conservative bloc — that have run the country for years.
Mr Milei once carried a chainsaw to symbolize cuts and reforms, but has ditched it in recent weeks to help boost his moderate image. “Milei is the only viable option for us not to fall into poverty,” said Santiago Neria, a 34-year-old accountant.
Hoang Hai (according to Reuters, CNN, AP)
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