Duval Times

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has called for American support to help Argentina sustain its economic reforms under President Javier Milei. In a statement dated May 24, 2024, Rubio emphasized the importance of backing Milei's efforts to reverse what he described as "decades of backwards, Marxist policies."

Rubio noted that President Milei’s austerity measures have had a significant impact on Argentina's economy. "The monthly [Argentine] inflation rate appears to be in the single digits, down from 25 percent last year, and foreign investment in Argentina is rising rapidly," he said. However, he acknowledged that austerity comes with challenges. "Used to decades of overly generous public benefits and subsidies, tens of thousands of people have mobbed the streets in protest," Rubio stated.

He pointed out that President Milei faces additional hurdles due to a lack of legislative majority, which limits his ability to enact comprehensive reforms addressing protesters' concerns.

Rubio proposed that targeted and accountable assistance from international organizations could be beneficial. He urged the United States to advocate for financial aid through influential bodies such as the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Labour Organization.

Highlighting the role of American businesses, Rubio observed their eagerness to invest in Argentina under Milei's market-friendly administration. He contrasted this with China's approach under Xi Jinping, noting that "President Milei stands in stark contrast" by promoting economic freedom rather than restrictive regulations.

Rubio underscored President Milei's alignment with U.S. interests by rejecting an invitation to join BRICS—an economic bloc including Russia, China, and Iran—demonstrating his anti-totalitarian stance.

"The United States has a national interest in supporting President Milei and his common-sense agenda," Rubio concluded.