Few predicted that Javier Milei, an Argentine libertarian who entered politics in 2020 to “blow the system up”, would reach the presidency three years later. He’s done it.

Milei has attacked the “thieves of the political establishment”, praised Al Capone’s free-market credentials, and on live television smashed the pinata at the central bank. He blames the bank for Argentina’s triple-digit rate of inflation, and plans to close it.

The 53-year old self-proclaimed anarcho capitalist won the runoff against Peronist Economy Chief Sergio Massa on Sunday. His combative stance was a lightning rod of voter anger over the worst economic crisis to hit Argentina in decades.

Milei received around 56% and Massa 44% of the votes. Massa admitted defeat in a public speech.

Milei’s theatrical and aggressive style, from wearing superhero costumes to wielding chainsaws to show his plans to shrink the size of the State, has led to him being compared to Donald Trump of the United States or Jair Bosonaro of Brazil.

He is the unique product of Argentina where an entire generation grew up in an economy that was in a semi permanent state of crisis. This has intensified this year with an inflation rate approaching 150%, a sliding exchange rate and increasing poverty.

Milei’s Liberty Advances coalition has seen an increase in support from the youth, particularly. His colorful quotes and antics have helped his campaign on social media.

Ayrton Ortiz, a 28-year old Milei voter in Buenos Aires before the elections said: “He is the changes that Argentina needs.”

CHAINSAWS DOGS AND THATCHER

Milei’s critics point out his lack of political experience, his disheveled look – his hair could be described as Emo-style unkempt – and his expletive ridden tirades which have targeted political opponents and the Pope.

Reuters reported that “if Javier had combed his neatly and if Javier hadn’t gotten angry, would anyone have ever invited him to speak?” Diana Mondino is an economist who will be Milei’s foreign minister.

Milei has appeared at many campaign events, either with a chainsaw to show the not so subtle fiscal adjustments that he intends to make or carrying a $100 bill featuring his face in order to promote his plan to dollarize the economic system.

In the U.S. comedian John Oliver dedicated an entire segment to him in his recent show, while former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson visited Argentina for a favorable interview.

Milei embraces his maverick nature. He mocked the late soccer legend Diego Maradona and praised Margaret Thatcher who is not well liked in Argentina because of her role in 1982 Falklands War.

His circle of confidants is small, and includes his 51-year old sister Karina who, as his campaign manager, Milei suggested earlier this year that she could be his first lady.

Conan was another close companion of his, whom he paid $50,000 for to clone in 2017 after his death. He has four mastiffs: Murray, Milton and Robert, all named after liberal economics.

Milei says that Conan gave him his mission as president through a medium and that his dogs were the “best strategics in the entire world.”

I AM A MISTAKE

Milei is backed by the main conservative bloc in the country, including Patricia Bullrich, the candidate who was eliminated. This helped Milei win middle-ground voters in Sunday’s election, but it could also rein in some of his more radical plans.

In an interview with Reuters last year, when his presidential ambitions began to grow, Milei said: “In terms of logic, I’m a mistake. Because what I’ve come to do in fact is stamp out the priviledges of politicians.”

“I will defeat all my opponents, no matter who they are.”

Milei is also in favor of tighter abortion laws and laxer gun control.

Juan Gonzalez, journalist and author “El Loco”, a biography of Milei (The Crazy One), stated ahead of the election that the president elect had created excitement but it was a risky bet given the rising state debts, high inflation and the looming recession.

He said, “He’s an unstable leader in an unstable country.”