Young Argentine Tomas Kremenchuzky is preparing to vote for the first time in a presidential election that promises to be, not only for him, but for thousands of other young people, the fiercest dispute in Argentine history, in which the favorite candidate threatens to overthrow the governance and economic model of the country.
Kremenchuzky, nicknamed “Toto”, is 17 years old and the right to vote is guaranteed by the Argentine constitution, as the country allows young people aged 16 and over to participate in voting.
However, this fact is not the only thing that draws attention: Many young Argentines struggle to find opportunities in a country where the cost of living is high and inflation exceeds three digits.
And it is in this scenario of economic difficulty that Javier Milei leverages his popularity, as he sells himself to the Argentine electorate as a radical who will make major changes for his country, starting with “exploding” the Argentine Central Bank, limiting the State’s actions. and dollarize the country’s economy.
“The way Milei talks, I believe everything he says. He has a way of expressing himself that reaches people,” said Toto, who comes from a wealthy family, plays football and studies at a private school in Buenos Aires.
In an open primary vote in August, Toto voted for the conservative Patricia Bullrich – a choice he attributes to the influence of his parents – but says he could change his vote in October for Milei if the libertarian – a current that defends freedom as absolute and which they preach a disbelief in the power of the State — convinced him in electoral debates.
“Milei proposes something different, which later in practice could end up being very good – or very bad,” said Toto.
However, Milei’s conservative social views and promise of drastic cuts in government spending are off-putting to some young voters.
Rocio Pozzetti, 16, who attends a public arts school, fears that Milei will tear down social safety nets, hitting the poorest hard. She is voting for the ruling Peronist party’s candidate, Sergio Massa, despite the economic turmoil he oversaw as economy minister.
“Massa is the only candidate who represents my ideals and can build a better country, with social justice,” said Pozzetti. “It’s worrying that people support Milei.”
Discontent with Argentine politicians
Pozzetti, who studies theater and dance, said he understands the “discontent that leads people to abandon the familiar in favor of the unknown.”
“I think many voted for Milei because he was a new face and represents all that anger that everyone has with politics and that people identify with,” said Pozzetti.
Noelle Chab, an 18-year-old resident of Buenos Aires, voted for Milei in the primaries and said she will vote again for the radical candidate in October because she believes he represents change and wants to “remove” the Peronist government.
“Javier Milei is the only one who represents a change in Argentine politics,” said Chab. “It is clear that this is the worst government in Argentine history, it has caused a lot of damage and continues to cause damage.”
Simon Rubinstein, 17, a fan of football, Formula 1 and “Star Wars”, likes Milei’s ideas about shrinking the State, but is afraid of some of his proposals, including dollarization and more flexible controls on weapons.
“Because of the economic situation in the country, regardless of who wins, there will be at least a few bad years,” said Rubinstein, who voted for Bullrich in the primary.
All young voters said they were concerned about Milei’s socially conservative views, including her strong anti-abortion stance. The procedure was legalized in Argentina at the end of 2020 and would be difficult to reverse.
Source: CNN Brasil
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