Javier Milei: “My contempt for the state is infinite”
Argentina’s president is idolised by the Trumpian right. They should get to know him better

Many people in America hope that the new Trump administration will take an axe to a bloated and overbearing government, cutting spending and rolling back regulation. Whether this goal is even plausible any more is a crucial question for America and the world, after two decades in which government debt globally has risen relentlessly, fuelled by the financial crisis of 2007-09 and the pandemic. For an answer, and a case study of taming an out-of-control Leviathan, head 5,000 miles south from Washington, where an extraordinary experiment is under way.
Explore more
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline ““My contempt for the state is infinite””

From the November 30th 2024 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the edition
Western leaders must seize the moment to make Europe safe
As they meet in London, Vladimir Putin will sense weakness

Prabowo Subianto takes a chainsaw to Indonesia’s budget
The result? More money for the president’s boondoggles

Inheriting is becoming nearly as important as working
More wealth means more money for baby-boomers to pass on. That is dangerous for capitalism and society
Donald Trump has begun a mafia-like struggle for global power
But the new rules do not suit America
Germany’s election victor must ditch its debt rules—immediately
Friedrich Merz has weeks to shore up his country’s defences