Running Mate Chosen, Name Reserved
President Javier Milei confirmed that he has already selected his running mate for the re-election campaign next year, but he preferred to keep the name under wraps for now. He spoke in an interview published on Sunday by the newspaper Río Negro, in the middle of a declared political battle with Vice President Victoria Villarruel. 'I have my running mate defined for next year, but I prefer to keep the name to myself for the moment,' he said.[S1][S2][S4]
The president linked the choice to another government priority: eliminating the PASO primaries. He said the primaries cost taxpayers USD 250 million a year and 'do not fulfill any real function' beyond spending public money on private party contests that the parties should solve behind closed doors. Milei added that he has opposed the system since before taking office and expects Congress to support its elimination.[S1][S3][S4]
Central Bank Overhaul Is Next Priority
Milei described the reform of the Central Bank's charter as the most important reform the government will promote in Congress in the coming months. He argued that cleaning up the entity's balance sheet is not enough if a future administration can again print money to cover fiscal needs. He wants the single mission of preserving the value of the currency and an express ban on financing the Treasury to be written into law.[S1][S2][S3]
According to Milei, 'we need to shield the BCRA presidents from being removed by the power of the moment, which is always capricious.' He also warned that a future populist government could turn on the money-printing machine and plunge Argentines again into an inflationary hell. He said the preservation of the currency and the prohibition on financing the Treasury must depend on the law, not on the will of whoever governs.[S1][S3]
Economy, Growth and Investment
The president defended his administration's record, citing fiscal surplus, lower inflation, lifting of the currency exchange controls, the rebuilding of reserves, and the payment of 'every single one' of Argentina's obligations. Asked about the impact on daily life, he said economic activity and GDP have broken their historical ceiling and that Argentina will record three consecutive years of growth for the first time in 15 years.[S1][S2][S3][S4]
Milei admitted that some Argentines do not yet perceive the improvement in their pockets. 'It is normal that there are still Argentines who do not perceive in their pocket this improving trend. Fixing in two years what was broken in a century takes time, and we will not lie to people with shortcuts,' he said. He added that Argentina is being put back on its feet step by step, while doing its homework.[S1][S3][S4]
On the flow of investments, Milei detailed that the RIGI incentive regime has approved projects for more than USD 46,000 million and is evaluating projects for more than USD 100,000 million; with announced investments, the total exceeds USD 150,000 million. On agricultural infrastructure, he ruled out a 'dirigista response' from the state, saying he would not take the private sector by the hand to tell it where to invest. He said his government came to level the playing field and get the state off the private sector's back.[S1][S2][S3]
IMF and Legacy
Milei also said that IMF missions arrive in the country to support a successful program that, in his view, overcomplies with the agreed goals. The government, he said, rebuilt credibility by paying every single one of its obligations. Asked about the legacy he aspires to leave, he said he would like to be remembered as the person who received a country in decay and delivered the change of direction that society asked for with its vote.[S1][S4]
