Argentina stands out as one of the rare democratic nations where the government, after several years in office, continues to maintain substantial public backing. It is also a scenario in which one might reasonably anticipate that the future could significantly surpass both the present and the recent past. Absent the prevailing optimism that, in due course, the nation will establish a government capable of effectively managing the economy and enhancing citizens’ lives, Javier Milei would not have approached the corridors of power. He would certainly not be dominating the local political landscape without visible challengers, as he has since his makeshift party, La Libertad Avanza, performed unexpectedly well in the legislative elections of October following significant support from the United States government. In spite of the numerous challenges facing the nation, the prevailing public sentiment is notably more optimistic compared to that in European countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, which, until recently, represented the “normality” that many Argentines longed for. Similar to the supporters of Donald Trump in the United States, who have reached the realization that they are seen as burdensome dependents rather than valuable allies, numerous Europeans harbor suspicions that their nations are ensnared in a death spiral from which they may find it impossible to escape.
Numerous observers link this phenomenon to an overreliance on expansive welfare expenditures, a misguided conviction that “soft power” could alleviate the necessity of maintaining a substantial reserve of hard resources, a perilous inclination to combat climate change by undermining industrial and agricultural sectors to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, a demographic decline of unprecedented scale, and, notably, the remarkably myopic decisions of previous administrations to permit immigration from groups whose ideologies clash with those of the native populace. The prevailing pessimism among Europeans, as they survey their surroundings, is driving the swift ascent of movements that proponents of the status quo denounce as extreme right-wing. Nevertheless, the leaders of Reform UK, the French National Rally, and Alternative for Germany have adeptly capitalized on the significant errors made by those responsible for their nations’ current predicaments. However, the solutions they offer lack persuasiveness. While eliminating “green” policies could potentially rescue the industry from its impending challenges, enhancing military capabilities would incur significant expenses that necessitate funding sources. Conversely, forgoing such measures could inadvertently bolster the Jihadist threats that are widely acknowledged as a concern. Addressing the challenges posed by excessive welfare expenditures, exacerbated by the influx of predominantly uneducated and low-skilled labor, suggests that any initiatives proposed by potential reformers are likely to incite significant social unrest.
Milei is frequently regarded as a prominent figure within the “new right” movement, relishing his position as a “rockstar” performer. However, his alignment with hypothetical counterparts in Europe or the United States is tenuous at best, as none of these figures exhibit a fervent commitment to fiscal discipline or an unwavering faith in the principles of the free market. Conversely, a significant number, including Trump, appear excessively eager to augment the authority of the state. Undoubtedly, they perceive Milei’s fervor for Austrian economists as a peculiar trait suitable for a President with a penchant for leather attire and lively music. Milei distinguishes himself from the majority of his right-wing counterparts, as the challenges confronting Argentina are perceived to diverge significantly from those that preoccupy individuals in other regions. In this context, immigration, regardless of its legal status, does not present a significant concern, as the majority of newcomers tend to align with the prevailing cultural norms of the country. Currently, there is no compelling justification for Argentina to allocate five percent or more of its gross national product to the Armed Forces, contrary to the European stance that such spending is necessary to deter potential aggression from Vladimir Putin. It is acknowledged, however, that due to the Kirchnerite policies, the military personnel in Argentina have faced prolonged austerity and should be entitled to a reasonable standard of living.
In Europe, a significant portion of the population appears to perceive that their national communities are nearing the conclusion of a protracted journey that commenced over a millennium ago. Given the limited agency they feel in altering this trajectory, there is a prevailing sentiment to savor the present while circumstances still allow for it. This reflects the sentiment of numerous young individuals in France who expressed their discontent through protests when the government increased the retirement age from 62 to 64 for those born post-1968, despite the clear understanding that the system would likely collapse well before they could access any benefits. Milei’s decision to freeze pensions was feasible as a significant portion of the populace recognized that without curbing public expenditure, inflation would persist in causing substantial disruption. In France, the national debt is expanding at an alarming rate, which many analysts believe could lead to dire repercussions; such drastic measures would likely provoke significant public unrest. Unlike many Europeans who perceive a dilemma between managed decline and what would likely be a fruitless effort to restore order before it is too late, Argentines have not yet accepted the prospect of collective failure. This situation arises in part from a recognition that the country has been trailing for an extended period and is thus striving to close the gap. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the significant decline in birth rates over the past decade has gone largely unnoticed, mirroring earlier trends observed in Europe. This demographic shift carries medium-term economic, social, and psychological consequences that are closely linked to the diminishing significance of the aptly termed “Old Continent.”