Milei becomes a symbol of the global far right: ‘We must put an end to the garbage of socialism once and for all’

Javier Milei — flanked by leaders from various Latin American and European countries and his ardent supporter — presented himself as the figure he most aspires to embody: a leader of the global far-right.

“We must put an end to the garbage of socialism once and for all,” said Milei, as he launched pointed attacks against several prominent leaders, including Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, among others. Optimistic about the political climate following Donald Trump’s win in the U.S. election, Milei proclaimed: “New winds of freedom are sweeping through the world.”

The Argentine president called this moment “a historic opportunity to change the world,” and emphasized the importance of “the cultural battle,” urging the far-right to unify and “coordinate internationally to prevent leftists from gaining ground anywhere.”

The stage for Milei’s rhetoric was set by the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a forum originally established in the United States that has been empowered by Trump’s election. For the first time, CPAC convened in Buenos Aires, with Milei as its star speaker, closing the event on Wednesday.

Held at the Hilton Hotel in the upscale Puerto Madero neighborhood, the conference drew hundreds of attendees who paid between $100 and $5,000 to participate. Officials, legislators, and activists from Milei’s party, La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Advances), packed the auditorium. The crowd, predominantly young men in jackets, shirts, and ties, embodied the hopes invested in Milei’s vision of dismantling the state, implementing fiscal austerity, and deregulating the economy.

The tone of the gathering was established early on by American hosts Matt and Mercedes Schlapp. Mercedes, speaking in Spanish, called for unity to “defeat communism in Latin America and around the world.” She lauded Milei as “a lion” but stressed the need for more leaders like him. She placed Milei among a cohort of far-right figures, including Trump, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, and El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele.

In the speeches that followed, speakers alternated between praising Milei and advocating for free-market ideals, while launching vehement attacks on “socialism,” gender policies, and abortion. Many emphasized that the success or failure of Milei’s government would be pivotal not only for the region but for the world.

Milei began by highlighting CPAC’s role in the “cultural battle,” asserting that socialism, in his view, has always failed economically but succeeded in spreading its ideas. “They managed to impose the politically correct agenda,” he declared, referencing leaders such as Uruguay’s José “Pepe” Mujica, Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, and Cuba’s Fidel Castro. Renewing his criticism of Spain’s government, which had already sparked a diplomatic row earlier in May, Milei accused José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Pedro Sánchez, and others members of the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) of tormenting the Spanish people.

“Today, the world, led by Donald Trump, Bukele, and us, breathes new winds of freedom,” Milei said to resounding applause and cheers. He stressed that transforming the world requires more than effective governance or political organization — it requires “fighting the cultural battle.”

Departing from his usual script, the Argentine president shared a detailed political strategy during the event, emboldened by the celebratory atmosphere that seemed to be designed to praise him and Trump. He outlined what could be called a “Millenian Decalogue” of power, even referencing Vladimir Lenin as an authoritative source. Milei began by insisting on the importance of truth: “It’s better to tell an uncomfortable truth” than “a comfortable lie.” “If the outcome is unpleasant, it’s best to get over the bad experience as soon as possible.” He dismissed concerns about political opinions, stating he cared little for “what politicians think on almost any issue.”

Milei then outlined his pragmatic approach: “One must not shy away from wielding power decisively. You must use the enemy’s weapons,” he urged, explaining that politics is not a zero-sum game. “Any space of power we don’t occupy will be taken by the adversary — the left.” He emphasized party unity and defended his aggressive style, stating, “Fire is fought with fire. If they accuse us of violence, I remind them that we’re the reaction to 100 years of abuse [...] If you approach things with niceties, what will happen? They’ll run you over.” This rhetoric included a sharp critique of moderates and the “lukewarm,” which seemed directed at his ally Mauricio Macri and his party, the PRO.

“Patriotic forces”

The event featured several prominent speakers, including Lara Trump, a television producer and Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law; Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party; Brazilian deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro; and conservative activists Eduardo Verástegui and Ben Shapiro. Two Argentine ministers — Luis Caputo (Economy) and Patricia Bullrich (Security) — also delivered speeches.

Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil, and Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor, were unable to attend due to legal restrictions preventing them from leaving their respective countries, but they contributed via video messages.

Outside the conference hall, attendees mingled during lunch, browsed a bookstand targeting “libertarian” activists, and snapped photos with the CPAC logo in the background — many posing with Milei’s signature thumbs-up gesture. Smiles and casual conversations conveyed a collective confidence in the far-right government’s direction.

The CPAC meeting solidified the alliance between Milei’s administration and Trumpism. Bannon’s remarks encapsulated the sentiment: “Argentina is the key in this global fight. The fate of South America is in Milei’s hands” The implication was clear — the success of Milei’s presidency would determine the future of far-right ideals.

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