Politics
Milei clinches decisive win in Argentina midterms
Argentina’s President Javier Milei won a decisive victory in the midterm elections. When Argentinians took to the polls on Sunday, Milei’s upstart La Libertad Avanza party scored 40% of the vote, compared with 31% for the left-leaning populist opposition movement known as Peronism. It is thought that Milei’s allyship with U.S. President Donald Trump helped him win the election, as before the vote, Trump declared that if the current President didn’t win, he would pull support. Previously, Trump had bailed Melei out with US$40 million, including a $20 billion currency swap deal and a further $20 billion in support for an economy he claimed was “dying”. Clinching the crucial confidence will strengthen Milei’s ability to carry out his radical free-market experiment with billions of dollars in backing from the U.S. These results will also position Melei as a candidate for re-election in 2027. "The Argentine people have decided to leave behind 100 years of decadence," Milei said as his supporters cheered, referring to a succession of Peronist governments that brought Argentina infamy for its inflationary spirals. "Today, we have passed the turning point. Today, we begin the construction of a great Argentina." Mel
Argentina takes to the polls amid economic crisis
Argentinians have taken to the polls in midterm legislative elections that will gauge support for President Javier Milei’s sweeping free-market reforms. This marks a pivotal moment for Milei’s presidency as the country faces a political and economic crisis with accusations that his ally, Donald Trump, is meddling in the country’s affairs. The outcome of the vote could decide whether Milei’s libertarian programme of hefty budget cuts and bid to deregulate the country’s struggling economy will endure. Recently, United States President Trump provided Argentina with a substantial bailout but threatened to withdraw it if Milei doesn’t perform well. The US$40 billion bailout included a signed US$20 billion currency swap and a possible US$20 billion facility. "Don't give up because we're halfway there," Milei told supporters at a closing campaign event in the port city of Rosario on Thursday. "We're on a good path." Half of Argentina's lower Chamber of Deputies, or 127 seats, as well as a third of the Senate, or 24 seats, are up for election in the midterm vote. The Peronist opposition movement currently holds the largest minority in both houses, while Milei's relatively new party has only 37 deputies and six sena
Leaders condemn Venezuelan president's rise to power
Many world leaders - including Australia - have condemned the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term and was inaugurated on 10 January. Since then, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have expressed concerns about the presidency in a statement. “We urge Venezuelan authorities to respect democratic principles and to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of opinion and expression, and of peaceful assembly,” the statement said. “The Australian Government reiterates its calls for a peaceful return to democracy in Venezuela and the immediate release of all political detainees by Venezuelan authorities.” Maduro rose to power after the death of left-wing leader Hugo Chavez in 2013 and his tenure has been filled with accusations of authoritarianism as well as economic and political unrest. Maduro was quick to claim victory in last year’s July elections claiming that he received 51% of the votes. While the country’s electoral authorities sided with Maduro, the opposition had published claims that his opponent Edmundo Gonzalez won by a convincing margin. The inauguration came a day after opposition leader, Maria Cor