Argentinian firebrand Javier Milei was officially sworn in as president on Sunday, vowing in the words of former President Donald Trump, to “make Argentina great again."
Once among the wealthiest countries in the world, Argentina now faces one of its worst economic crises in decades.
"It's the end of the populist night and the rebirth of a prosperous and liberal Argentina," he told supporters, while warning that undertaking the transformation he envisions for Argentina will be painful at first.
“I need to say it to you again: there’s no money,” Milei said. “There’s no alternative to adjustments and to shock.”
He added: "The outgoing government has left us on track towards hyperinflation...We are going to do everything we can to avoid such a catastrophe."
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The crowd, which repeatedly yelled “Chainsaw!”, appeared ready for Milei to get to work slashing government expenses.
He did not waste any time, following through on his campaign promise to reduce the number of ministries from 18 to nine. A viral clip during his campaign showed him ripping the ministries he wanted to close off a white board while yelling "afuera."
Como lo prometió en campaña, trabajando para los argentinos en vez de estar de celebración, de 19 a 9 ministerios.
— Cripto Moneda ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@criptomonedaz) December 10, 2023
La motosierra en acción, Javier Milei no miente. 🇦🇷🦁🗽 pic.twitter.com/eBfs7jdEej
Javier Milei, Argentina's far-right presidential candidate, promises to abolish the Ministries of Education, Health, Science & Technology, Transportation, etc. & build private prisons. He also wants to militarize everything, cut ties with China, and adopt the US dollar. pic.twitter.com/acJD2FDBDM
— Digital Nomad 🇷🇺 🇺🇸 🏴☠️ (@king_nnaji) September 17, 2023
Thus, it should be no surprise what he wrote in the inaugural book.
Javier Milei at his inauguration:
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) December 10, 2023
"Long live Liberty dammit!" pic.twitter.com/2Ygii1qIb7
VIVA LA LIBERTAD CARAJO https://t.co/zmGyZPfjJB
— Libertarian Party (@LPNational) December 10, 2023