Argentinians have elected as their next president Javier Milei, a self-described anarcho-capitalist.

Partial election results showed Milei had 55.8% and Massa 44.2%, with 95% of the votes tallies. Should that margin hold, it would be wider than predicted by all polls and the widest since Argentina’s return to democracy in 1983.

Politically, critics have variously described Milei as far-right, ultra-conservative, and right-wing libertarian. As an economist, he is a follower of the Austrian School of Economics — which believes in the power of individual choice and free markets to determine economic outcomes — and also identifies as an anarcho-capitalist. 

Milei is also pro-life and Catholic, explaining in one tweet, “Excuse me. I am Catholic. And in my values, violence and theft are wrong. It will be your problem if you support the theft and curtailment of freedom.”

Jan Schnellenbach, a German economist who teaches at Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Milei’s economic views are “very extreme” and “not compatible with Catholic social teaching.” 

Schnellenbach contrasted Milei’s approach with that of Pope Francis, who has often criticized both neoliberalism and populism as ideologies that undermine human dignity and solidarity. He said that Pope Francis is “the greater realist” because he recognizes that “the market alone cannot solve all problems” and that “there is a need for a strong state that can provide public goods and protect the common good.”

Of course, Pope Francis has associated himself with communism, which previous popes have condemned.

Argentine has been dealing with crippling inflation – above 140% – and poverty has worsened while Massa Massa’s campaign cautioned Argentinians that his libertarian opponent’s plan to eliminate key ministries and otherwise sharply curtail the state would threaten public services, including health and education, and welfare programs many rely on. Massa also drew attention to his opponent’s often aggressive rhetoric and openly questioned his mental acuity.

Sts. Polycarp, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Fulton Sheen, Migel Pro, Ukrainian Martyrs, and the Vietnamese Martyrs pray for us!