President Javier Milei visited Tierra del Fuego on Monday, where he carried out an agenda that included tours of local companies, announcements regarding the country's economic direction, and a strong message about the need to leave behind the past of decline.
In this context, he spoke with the local radio station FM Aire Libre, where he addressed the criticism and resistance toward his administration, attributing them to the magnitude of the reforms he is promoting.
"The only ones who aren't criticized are those who do nothing. Imagine someone carrying out a 180-degree reform like the one we're pushing; obviously, the status quo is going to complain," he stated.
The head of state once again highlighted the achievements of his administration, contrasting them with the legacy he received. "Or do you want to return to inflation levels of 300% (300%), or 1.5 daily, which was climbing to 17,000; or 57% poor, an economy stagnant since 2011? Therefore, it's clear: we must leave the past behind and move forward," he said.
El presidente, Javier Milei.
In this context, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming legislative elections on October 26. "We're halfway there," Milei stressed, urging citizens to support him.
"This is a national election. So what's at stake are these things... Do you want to live with inflation again? Do you want people enslaved by handouts? Do you want people to starve? For poverty to explode? Or do you want a situation where poverty is falling, extreme poverty is falling, the economy is recovering, and inflation is gradually disappearing?" the president stated.
Later, he referred to the situation of the Fuegian industry, pointing to Argentine unionism as an actor linked to political interests and the "party of the State," a scheme that has led the country from prosperity to underdevelopment over the last seven or eight decades.
In response to the mobilizations of the Unión Obrera Metalúrgica (UOM) and other sectors, Milei stated that his government represents "the hope of a better future" and defended the results achieved so far: "We're doing it, because the results support us."
Javier Milei, presidente de Argentina.
The president rejected the distinction between macro and microeconomics, describing it as an outdated discussion within modern economic theory. "The macro is the sum of all the micro. Therefore, that doesn't exist," he stated. Referring to social indicators, he said that his government has enabled "12 million people to escape poverty," although he acknowledged that 31% of the population is still in that situation.
"It's a huge, extremely painful number. But would you prefer to have 12 million more poor people? Or as Kirchnerism left us, which left us with hyperinflation and 98% of Argentines were going to be poor," he argued, blaming the previous administration for the inherited crisis.
The Tierra del Fuego model
Regarding Tierra del Fuego's fiscal regime, Milei defended the validity of acquired rights and existing agreements, highlighting that the province is an example of the benefits of reducing the tax burden.
"Tierra del Fuego is proof that if you remove the tax burden from a place, it expands. The problem isn't the advantage Tierra del Fuego has. The problem is the continent and everything it pays in addition to taxes," he stated, suggesting that the Fuegian model could be applied in other regions.
Milei concluded the interview by framing the electoral contest as a national dilemma between two models: one that leads to progress and another that perpetuates poverty and dependence on the State.
