Biden speaks with Argentina’s President-elect Javier Milei
President Biden on Wednesday spoke with Argentina’s president-elect, Javier Milei, to congratulate the right-wing populist on his win over the weekend, the White House said.
Biden talked with Milei to “to congratulate him on his election,” according to a readout of the call.
The U.S. president “applauded the conduct of the election” in Argentina as a “testament of strength” to the country’s democratic institutions, and the pair discussed shared priorities.
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Milei, a freshman Argentinian lawmaker and self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist,” won Sunday night over Economy Minister Sergio Massa with 55.7 to Massa’s 44.3 percent support, according to The Associated Press, clinching victory in all but three of the country’s 24 provinces. His election to the presidency signals a shift to the right for the South American country.
Biden and Milei also “discussed the importance of continuing to build on the strong relationship” between their two nations “on economic issues, on regional and multilateral cooperation, and on shared priorities, including advocating for the protection of human rights, addressing food insecurity and investing in clean energy,” according to the White House readout.
Former President Trump has also congratulated Milei, writing on Truth Social that he’s “very proud” of the Argentinian leader, whom some have compared to Trump.
“You will turn your Country around and truly Make Argentina Great Again!” Trump added.
Ahead of the Argentinian election, Milei — who got his start in television — touted claims of voter fraud and pledged to eliminate bureaucratic ministries. He’s also praised Trump.
Milei said in his victory speech that the “reconstruction of Argentina begins today.”
The Associated Press contributed.
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