The Javier Milei administration in Argentina has been described as methodical and strategic in their approach, even before Milei’s victory in last year’s PASO primaries. Despite doubts about their organizational and emotional capacities, Milei’s newly formed libertarian coalition, La Libertad Avanza, has proven to be anything but amateur in their operations. The recent passing of the Ley de Bases law through Congress, the removal of Milei’s Cabinet Chief, and the president’s frequent international travels are all part of a calculated plan devised by Milei, his sister Karina, and political adviser Santiago Caputo. The new Cabinet Chief, Guillermo Francos, remains on the outskirts of their inner circle, potentially due to his traditional approach to political negotiations.
The roles of Karina and Caputo within the administration have garnered intrigue, as their voices are seldom heard yet their influence is felt. Karina, with no prior experience in public service, has been hailed as a political mastermind, having transitioned from selling homemade cakes on Instagram to becoming Milei’s chief-of-staff. Caputo, trained by political strategist Jaime Durán Barba, is known as the “political commissar” of the government. Together, they were early believers in Milei’s presidential bid and utilized digital tools to gain a competitive advantage over traditional political opponents.
The departure of Nicolás Posse, a key member of Milei’s inner circle, has further solidified the trust and closeness of the remaining members. Posse’s exit was rumored for some time, with disagreements and limited results cited as potential reasons for his departure. Milei’s approach of “punctuated pragmatism” involves attacking adversaries before negotiating, a tactic that has caused controversy but proven effective. Human resources are used and discarded as needed, with loyalty only to the cause. Despite criticism of the libertarian experiment, the administration continues to push forward with their deregulation project.
Former Central Bank governor Federico Sturzenegger has been appointed as Deregulation Minister, signaling a continued commitment to the administration’s economic goals. While there is optimism in the Casa Rosada that the plan is working, some economists suggest that the peso is artificially overvalued and that the recession is more severe than necessary. The administration faces pressure to make adjustments to their macroeconomic model but remains steadfast in their direction. Milei’s controversial comments about people struggling to make ends meet reflect his uncompromising stance on economic policy. Overall, the Javier Milei administration in Argentina is characterized by calculated strategy, unconventional tactics, and unwavering commitment to their libertarian ideology.
