Argentina’s Libertarian Outsider Javier Milei Takes Lead in Primary

Speaking to his supporters on Sunday, Javier Milei, who leads the La Libertad Avanza coalition, vowed to “put an end to the parasitic and useless political caste that is destroying this country.”

Argentine congressman Javier Milei waves to his supporters during the presentation of his book "El Camino del Libertario" at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair, on May 14, 2022. Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images

Populist candidate Javier Milei has emerged as the front-runner in Argentina’s primary elections in an unexpected turn of events, signaling a possible change in the country’s political landscape.

The libertarian economist, rock star, and national lawmaker secured 32.31 percent of the of votes—far more than predicted by national polls—leaving the main opposition bloc, United for Change, trailing at 28 percent and the ruling Peronist coalition at 27 percent.