This Week in Politics
Argentine Presidential Election Results
Change – Argentina has voted for a change in scenery at the capitol, Buenos Aires. With now president elect Javier Milei winning by a large margin of over 10% against Sergio Massa, 56% to 44%. Mr Milei leads the right-wing to far-right Partido Libertario and is one of the founders of the political coalition La Libertad Avanza (Liberty Advances) with many other right-wing parties.
The president-elect was seen as an outsider to the political establishment, a part of his appeal, he ran on a radical libertarian platform describing himself as an anarcho-capitalist, his plans include adopting the United States dollar, abolishing government agencies including education and health and he’s quoted as calling climate change “a hoax.” The US department of State congratulated Mr Milei on his win, however, clearly pointed out that climate change is real and that they look forward to working with him.
His win was congratulated by former president of the United States of America Donald J. Trump who called Mr Milei’s victory a chance to “Make Argentina Great Again” the former president of Brazil Jair Bolaonro sent his congrats to the president-elect as well. Both of these former presidents once won their elections running on the idea of being an outsider, however, after just one term in office politics came crashing down on them and they were ousted by the electorate. They have remained popular within their respective countries.
Political Earthquake in the Netherlands
After more than a decade of leading the VVD has been ousted as the largest party of the Netherlands, both the PVV and Labour & Greens beat them, the latter ever so slightly. Notably, the far-right PVV gained 10 seats, showcasing a shift to the far end of the right among the Dutch electorate, perhaps foreshadowing the upcoming European election in 2024. The election was triggered by Mark Rutte’s (the dutch Prime Minister) abrupt decision to leave politics, due to a disagreement among his coalition parties about immigration. The PVVs ascent is meaningful, the Netherlands holds a vital role in the EU as a larger smaller nation, and being one of the biggest import countries in the union. Both the VVD and the new party New Social Contract have opened up to working with the once isolated party, and the VVD has made clear they’re not looking for the top job (prime ministership, a ship that sailed long ago).
Norway, Norway, the WAY to IgNORe the Left
99 years in the making, the social democratic workers party of Norway has after 99 years lost its status as the largest party in the local governments of Norway. Høyer, the centre-right party led by Erna Solberg (the former Prime Minister) took the title from the workers party, which has been viewed as unstable and chaotic compared to its predecessors. This verdict of success for høyer is unusual for a county of its nature, being a wealthy Scandinavian country, the same trend cannot be found in Sweden and Denmark.
Sweden Democrats Make Clear their Boundaries for the EU
Sweden Democrat Charlie Weimer, a MEP (member of the european parliament), made clear at his party’s congress earlier this week that they have to be ready if Sweden’s self-determination is hindered or in any way blocked. Many others within his party agree, though the party changing its current position is unlikely.
A New New Zealand
Christopher Luxon, leader of the centre right party National in New Zealand, has managed to gather support for a coalition. His coalition parties are the ACT (conservative) and NZ first (populist).
In Other News… Nigel Farage, Brexit Instigator Has Joined the TV Program I’m A Celebrity… Get me out of here!
In more light hearted news: former Brexit campaigner and controversial politician Nigel Farage has entered a TV program in Australia called I’m A Celebrity… Get me out of here! The show is built up by a set of challenges often gross in my opinion (they include snakes). So if you like Nigel Farage or don’t you might enjoy seeing a politician making a fool of himself, or at least going out of his comfort zone.
