Long honeymoon in Buenos Aires?

By Silvio Canto, Jr.

A few days ago, I was asked on Buenos Aires radio about what the U.S. thinks of Argentina's president-elect, Javier Milei, who will be sworn in on December 10.

I answered that the best word was 'curiosity.'

I told the moderator to ask me the same question in six months.

According to Agustino Fontevecchia, the Argentinian president-elect is enjoying a surprising honeymoon.

Normally, el presidente enjoys a honeymoon in his first six months or so. So far, the man in Argentina is enjoying a honeymoon before saying "I do."

Read the column:

The Milei that has emerged from the scathing presidential campaign is somewhat different from what he had projected. Rather than appearing irate or violent, his semblance is of a happy man. Instead of erratic, he seems pragmatic. And while serious doubts remain as to how his nascent coalition of inexperienced outsiders will ensure governability, the ultra-libertarian is acting carefully and strategically in the conformation of his cabinet and government, seemingly betting on experience over ideology. Of course, all of this is easier without the weight of responsibility that comes with taking office. For the time being, it’s still Alberto Fernández, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, and Sergio Massa’s problem. Once the glow begins to dim and his “chainsaw” austerity plan is in full force, what Milei will face the music?

The article points out that he is the most popular politician in the country. At least so far, and he has not been sworn in yet, people want him to succeed.

What's going on?

I think that a couple of things. First, the president-elect is so interesting and answers questions by quoting economists and philosophers. I have not seen that before.

Second, the outgoing government was despised to the core. For example, I had a friend send me a text saying something like welcome to the last Monday of Peronismo anticipating next week's inauguration.

Of course, everyone down in Argentina knows and dances to that famous tango "Poema". It's about heartbreak and disillusionment. It's sad enough to make a grown man cry.

The lyrics go something like this:

Cuando las flores de tu rosal, (when the flowers in your rose garden)

vuelvan mas bellas a florecer, (will come back to blossom more beautifully again)

recordarás mi querer, (you will remember my love)

y has de saber, (and you will get to know)

todo mi intenso mal. (all my intense misfortune)

De aquel poema embriagador, (of that intoxicating poem)

ya nada queda entre los dos, (nothing remains between the two)

doy mi triste adiós, (I give my sad goodbye)

sentiras la emoción, (you will feel the emotion)

de mi dolor... (of my pain)

"Intense misfortune and emotion of your pain" or the essence of a country born singing tango, its tragic lyrics and watching so many governments destroy what was once a prosperous land to the south.

Enough of that. I am betting that Milei will turn things around and succeed. Of course, I do have "Poema" in my playlist just in case.

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Image: Screen shot from Guardian News video, via YouTube