This is an unprecedented "shock**" and a "liberalization" reform that has sparked national controversy. In less than two weeks in office, Argentina's new Javier Milley has introduced more than 300 emergency economic measures in various fields, aimed at getting out of the country's deep economic crisis. However, these measures were strongly opposed by tens of thousands of Argentines, who took to the streets for the first mass demonstration since the new ** came to power, **Milley's "economic shock**" and austerity policies. What exactly is the reason for this ** event?What are the contents of Milley's reform policy?What will be the impact on the economy and society of Argentina?This article will answer them one by one.
Background: Argentina's economy is in trouble Milley proposes "shock".
Argentina is the second-largest economy in South America and a country with abundant natural resources and a high per capita income. However, in recent years, the Argentine economy has been in serious trouble. In order to get out of the economic crisis, Argentina chose far-right politician Javier Milley as the new one in the ** elections in November this year. Milley is a liberal economist who made a series of radical policy propositions during his election campaign, including abolishing the peso, introducing dollarization, cutting public spending, privatizing state-owned enterprises, deregulating the economy, allowing open gun ownership, legalizing organ trafficking, restricting abortion, and more. He called these policies a "shock**" of the Argentine economy and the only solution out of the predicament.
After being sworn in on December 10, Milley quickly fulfilled his campaign promise and began a series of reforms. He first slashed the number of *** departments from 18 to 8, and on his first day in office, he cut it to 9. He also announced a reduction in the official exchange rate to 800 pesos per dollar, a 54% depreciation, and plans to depreciate the peso by 2% against the dollar every month. He also unveiled a series of economic policies such as reducing energy and transportation subsidies, halting tenders for new public works, laying off newly hired public sector employees, reducing budgets for social programs, and airplanes for two state-owned enterprises in an attempt to reduce the fiscal deficit and control inflation.
Milley signed an emergency decree introducing more than 300 reforms
Among Milley's reform plans, the most striking was an emergency decree he signed on December 20, introducing about 300 measures to deregulate the economy and cut public spending. In a television and radio address that day, Milley said that "this is only the first step in rebuilding the country". The goal of these reforms, he said, is to "embark on the path of rebuilding our country, regaining its freedom, and beginning to remove the vast number of obstacles that have hindered economic development." He also said that in the next few days he will convene an emergency parliamentary session to submit a series of laws to them that will require them to move forward with the process of change.
Specifically, the decree signed by Milley repealed major regulations in Argentina's housing rental market, export duties, land ownership, food retail, and other areas. These regulations were once seen by the Argentine left as an important means of protecting the domestic market and social welfare, but Milley saw them as an obstacle to economic freedom and competition. For example, Milley repealed the 2017 tenancy law, which set a ceiling on rents and a minimum limit on the duration of the lease to protect tenants' rights. Milley believes that these regulations have led to a decrease in housing ** and a decrease in rents, and he hopes to increase housing ** and lower rents by opening up the market.
In addition, Milley's decree also changed the regulatory rules for industries such as aviation, medical, pharmaceutical, and tourism to allow more competitors to enter these industries. For example, Milley removed nationality restrictions on airlines and allowed foreign airlines to operate domestic routes within Argentina. He also removed control of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, allowing the market to dictate the quality of medicines and medical services. He also eased restrictions on the tourism industry, allowing foreign tourists to spend in dollars within Argentina in order to attract more foreign tourists.
Most controversially, Milley's decree also repealed laws that prevented the privatization of state-owned enterprises. He supported the privatization of state-owned enterprises, including YPF, Argentina's largest state-owned oil company, in order to reduce the financial burden, increase foreign investment, and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises. He also said that he would auction the shares of state-owned enterprises to the highest bidders, regardless of the country or region they are from. This move has sparked strong opposition in Argentina, which many see as a puppet of foreign powers, sacrificing national sovereignty and making Argentina a puppet of foreign powers.
Against: Argentines take to the streets **Milley's reform policies
Milley's reform policies sparked huge controversy and opposition in Argentina. Many believe that Milley's "shock**" is a brutal "neoliberal" policy, a kind of dispossession and oppression of the Argentine people, and a kind of negation and destruction of Argentine history and culture. They argue that Milley's policies will only exacerbate Argentina's economic and social inequalities, lead to more poverty and unemployment, weaken Argentina's sovereignty and damage Argentina's international image and status.
All these measures have aroused the dissatisfaction of the Argentine people. Tens of thousands of Argentines staged their first mass demonstration since the new ** came to power on December 21. They also burned Milley's portrait and American flags as a sign of their **policy** against Milley. The demonstrations lasted several hours, during which there were clashes and violence that resulted in at least 10 injuries and 20**.
Support: Milley has received praise from some of the population and recognition from the international community
These supporters, mainly from Argentina's middle class and business community, have benefited the most from Milley's policies, enjoying more economic freedom and opportunity. They also included a number of liberal scholars and ** who believed that Milley's policies were in line with the theory and practice of economics and that they were the right choice for Argentina to prosper. Through various channels, they defended and promoted Milley's policies, trying to persuade more people to accept and support Milley's reforms.
In addition to domestic supporters, Milley's reform policies have also been recognized and welcomed by the international community. In particular, the United States and some Western countries have expressed their appreciation and support for Milley's policies, believing that Milley is a "courageous reformer" and "visionary leader" whose policies will contribute to Argentina's economic recovery and democratic progress, as well as Argentina's cooperation and friendship with Western countries. Trump praised Milley on Twitter as his "good friend" and "good partner" and said the United States would fully support Milley's reforms. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also expressed its affirmation and confidence in Milley's policy, and expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Milley's ** to negotiate Argentina's debt problem and provide Argentina with more financial assistance and technical support.
Conclusion: Milley's reform policy faces enormous challenges and risks Argentina's future is uncertain
Milley's reform policy is undoubtedly a huge shock and change to the Argentine economy and society, and it will have a profound impact on the future of Argentina. However, it is difficult to judge whether these effects are positive or negative, beneficial or harmful. Milley's policies may bring some short-term economic benefits, but they may also trigger more social problems and political crises. Milley's policies may increase Argentina's international cooperation and influence, but it may also undermine Argentina's national sovereignty and security. Milley's policies may be supported and embraced by some, but they may also be opposed and resisted by many more.
Milley's reform policy is facing great challenges and risks, and he needs to find a balance between economic efficiency and social equity, market competition and national interests, international cooperation and national sovereignty, and at the same time, he also needs to make a reasonable choice between the speed and intensity of reform, the breadth and depth of reform, and the ways and methods of reform. In the process of reform, Milley needs to fully consider the history and culture of Argentina, respect the wishes and demands of the Argentine people, listen to the voice and feedback of Argentine society, and seek the understanding and support of all parties in Argentina to achieve harmony and development in Argentina.