President Javier Milei stated on Sunday his openness to engage in dialogue with various sectors of the country. However, he contended that the political debate in Argentina lacked intellectual honesty, responding to a critique from Pope Leo XIV during the significant papal visit. Milei, 56, contended that the opposition had supported 40 government bills last year that aimed to erode macroeconomic stability, emphasising his commitment to achieving fiscal balance. Shortly after Pope Leo XIV urged Argentina’s political leaders to foster dialogue and democratic coexistence, the head of state addressed the pontiff’s appeal in his characteristic manner, as reported. “I am not against any of those things. That is the malicious characterisation put forward by part of the political system, with the complicity of the press. I think debates should be intellectually honest, and in Argentina they are not intellectually honest,” argued Milei. “They are characterised by an appalling lack of conceptual rigour. The truth is that this is a debate steeped in demagoguery.” And “I could cite hundreds of examples. In light of the results of our successful fiscal policy, there are people who support it but always have a ‘but’. Every ‘but’ means an increase in spending.”
“I don’t know whether they do it because they are intellectually dishonest, ignorant or malicious. The situation is clear. I am willing to engage in dialogue. But last year they voted for 40 bills in an attempt to break macroeconomic stability,” Milei told the national news channel. Moving on to the positive, the President said he had been “moved” by the Pope’s historic visit to Argentina, describing it as “something truly overwhelming.” And “During the part where I have to walk alone along the red carpet to wait for him [at Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires, when the Pope arrived], up until that point everything seemed like conventional protocol. But when I started watching him come down the aircraft steps, it was a very powerful emotion,” he admitted. In reference to the private meeting conducted with the pontiff at the Casa Rosada presidential palace, Milei stated: “The truth is that we discussed issues relating to the moral foundations of politics. We basically spoke about the role of the Holy Scriptures in the decision-making process, something I have been working on. We also discussed natural law.”
In his inaugural address following his arrival in Argentina, earlier in the evening, Pope Leo articulated a sharp critique of Milei’s administration, asserting that growth should be inclusive for all, a statement that was received with enthusiastic applause. “The economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy,” said the Catholic leader. Leo stressed the plight of those who, “despite hard work, nonetheless struggle to meet their household’s needs.” He spoke out in defence of the poor and pensioners, insisting that “particular concern be shown for those affected by illness, dependency and disability” – a veiled reference to the government’s controversial cuts to disability assistance that have prompted weekly protests outside the National Congress building in Buenos Aires. Leo also told Milei that strengthening democracy required a “willingness to listen” and the “careful use of words.” Milei, for his part, said his government was working to avoid “punishing the Argentines of tomorrow in order to benefit the Argentines of today.” The visit marks the first by a pontiff to Argentina in nearly four decades, with local Church leaders urging Leo to assist in healing the profound divisions within the nation.
Leo arrived in Buenos Aires from Uruguay, marking the commencement of his inaugural trip as pope to Latin America, the continent with the highest Catholic population globally, which is experiencing a notable shift toward secularism. Argentina is the home country of the late pope, Francis. Milei famously insulted the late pontiff. for his pro-poor teachings. Leo, by contrast, said he was “retracing” Francis’ steps. The Pope also insisted on the importance of “personal integrity” in public office, stressing that “corruption undermines the confidence of citizens in their institutions.” Leo is set to visit a facility for individuals with disabilities and a correctional institution, in addition to celebrating three outdoor masses during his time in Argentina. The Church has indicated an expectation of approximately seven million attendees at the various events.
