Known by his supporters as "the crazy" and "the wig" for his fierce demeanor and untamed mop of hair, Javier Milei, self-proclaimed as "the lion," has defied all expectations to become Argentina's president-elect. A former television commentator and 53-year-old economist, Milei has disrupted the country's political scene with his bold proposals and unorthodox style.

While initially recognized for his critiques of government spending, Milei's popularity skyrocketed as he championed drastic measures to tackle Argentina's soaring inflation and fought against what he perceived as the encroachment of socialism in society. One central element of his economic plan involves replacing the local currency, the peso, with the U.S. dollar, aiming to curb inflation by preventing excessive money printing and proposing the elimination of the Central Bank.

Identifying as an "anarcho-capitalist," Milei's libertarian views are a departure from Argentina's political norm. He advocates for loosening labor laws and envisions a significantly smaller government, intending to eliminate half of the government ministries, including health and education. Symbolizing his commitment to substantial cuts, he has been seen campaigning with a revving chainsaw.

Drawing parallels with former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he openly admires, Milei seeks to purge what he calls the "political caste" from Argentina's government, echoing Trump's "drain the swamp" rhetoric. Before his political career, Milei served as the chief economist at Corporación America, a major Argentine conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including airport management.

Milei positions himself not only as a right-leaning politician but also as a cultural warrior aiming to reshape Argentine society. His stances align with conservative Republicans in the U.S., opposing feminist policies, legalized abortion, and acknowledging human involvement in climate change. He has also publicly criticized Pope Francis, referring to him as an "imbecile" for advocating social justice.

In a nod to Trump's slogan, "Make America Great Again," Milei promises to return Argentina to a period of greatness. At his victory rally, he declared, "Argentina is going to reclaim the place in the world that it should never have lost." His supporters have embraced this sentiment, often sporting hats emblazoned with the words "Make Argentina Great Again," solidifying the comparison to the unconventional political style that has become a global phenomenon.