(Opinion) As Argentina’s presidential election approaches its second round, the campaigns resemble Brazil’s 2022 election.
Voters witness unproven fraud accusations, street canvassing, and past statements resurfacing.
This similarity is not surprising, given the similar political strategies used in Brazil.
The contenders include centrist-left “professional politician” Sergio Massa and libertarian Minarchist Javier Milei, who criticizes the political “caste.”
This scenario mirrors Brazil’s last year, where former President Lula faced Bolsonaro, a long-term politician who appealed to anti-establishment sentiments.
Both Bolsonaro and Milei project an anti-system image, often clashing with political correctness.
Their supporters engage in aggressive rhetoric, including insults towards journalists and fraud allegations.
Recently, the platform ‘Lo que dice Milei’ was launched to showcase Milei’s controversial views.
This site aggregates his opinions on public subsidies, education privatization, and gun ownership.
Despite his controversial economic liberalism, Milei has toned down his discourse, particularly on contentious issues like organ and child sales.
Google’s ad transparency center revealed that Massa’s Peronist coalition, União pela Pátria, promoted this platform.
Massa himself urged viewers to research “what Milei said” during the final debate, echoing tactics used against Bolsonaro in Brazil.
Milei’s social media, his preferred battleground, framed this as Brazilian influence on Massa’s campaign.
Despite softening his approach, Milei continues to assert, without evidence, election irregularities and doubts about the election’s integrity.
Research by ‘Democracia em Xeque’ shows increased content claiming vote rigging and calls for protests against election theft.
There are also misogynistic attacks against figures like Sol Perez and open threats against journalists.
Both campaigns also utilize “auxiliary profiles” for online presence, similar to Bolsonaro’s tactics.
The comment landscape shifted post-October 30, focusing on Milei’s mental health, a strategy employed by Massa’s campaign.
Milei’s Mental Health
Interestingly, no one seems worried about the mental health of leftists, including Massa. They have actively shaped the financial downfall of a country rich in resources.
Moreover, their involvement spans several years and even decades. Despite their significant political responsibility, this lack of concern for their ‘well-being’ stands out as quite striking.
A 2021 video of Milei destroying a Central Bank model resurfaced, illustrating his stance on closing the bank.
Despite Argentina’s economic fiasco, Massa, the current Economy Minister, still ran for office.
Comparisons with Venezuela’s situation vary between Argentina and Brazil. In Argentina, the focus is less ideological, centering on tangible issues like inflation and wages.
Massa’s supporters, echoing Brazilian tactics, make public appeals to undecided voters.
For instance, a public hospital doctor highlighted the risks of privatizing health and education, warning of irreversible damage.
Overall, Argentina’s election parallels Brazil’s in many aspects, reflecting a broader trend in Latin American politics.