Javier Melei, Argentina’s newly elected president, who is economically libertarian and socially conservative, has expressed his support for Ukraine on numerous occasions. Described by domestic and foreign opponents as ‘far-right’ and ‘populist’, Melei sure has attracted a lot of attention from observers abroad. Even more so, the 2023 Argentinian elections were some of the most observed in recent history.
Argentina’s failed monetary policies and a 9th historic default in 2020 paved the way for a change. Mieli, assuming leadership in 2023, has become only the second prominent country leader who was labelled as either a ‘populist’ or ‘far-right’ in the democratic world to support Ukraine. The first is Giorgia Meloni, of course, who has a long record of supporting Ukraine.
“The Ukrainian people are defending the values of freedom and democracy on which our civilisation is based and the very foundations of international law”, said Meloni. Despite facing criticism in her own party and weak support in polls for the deliveries of arms to Ukraine, Meloni stuck to her beliefs. Only time will tell if Milei will continue to do the same. And despite the fact that the war in Ukraine is far from a central topic in Argentinian politics, winning over the countries of South America in Ukraine’s favour can be pivotal nonetheless.
And while in many Western countries, Russia continues to falsely present itself as a defender of the so-called ‘family values’ and of nearly every other element of the conservative dream, some leaders, like Milei and Meloni, are able to see right through the deceit. Moreover, politicians like Milei in Argentina and Meloni in Italy represent a segment of the right-wing spectrum that questions and criticises Russia’s narrative. They recognise the discrepancy between Russia’s self-presentation and its actions, both domestically and internationally. Domestically, Russia’s record on human rights, freedom of speech, and political pluralism starkly contrasts with the conservative principles of individual liberty and justice. Internationally, its aggressive foreign policy, exemplified by actions in Ukraine and elsewhere, undermines the principles of national sovereignty and self-determination that are often central to conservative ideology.
Right-wing leaders who align themselves with the Russian narrative, often without considering the underlying principles, tend to do so as a strategic manoeuvre for political advantage and consolidation of their positions. This behaviour can be observed in figures like Donald Trump, Viktor Orban, Geert Wilders, and Herbert Kickl, among others. These leaders, who might be characterised as pseudo-conservatives or opportunists, often prioritise their immediate political interests over deeper ideological convictions. Their willingness to cooperate with Russia, a nation they might traditionally view as a geopolitical adversary, underscores the pragmatic approach to politics, where the end goal is to enhance their own influence and authority.
The victory of Javier Milei underlines a rare international victory of someone on the right who sticks to his principles rather than navigates through pure strategy for personal gain. Milei also seems to underline real issues rather than just rally his support through illusion or creating chaos.
