Javier Milei receives most influential economist award in Paris
President Javier Milei shed tears in Paris while thanking his loved ones after receiving an award as the “most influential economist” from the Paris Economic Forum. During the Argentina Week event in France, the Argentine leader defended his fiscal policies, minimized recent financial turbulence, and praised Luis Caputo and Federico Sturzenegger as his administration manages domestic structural reforms and budget negotiations.
The Paris Economic Forum Recognition and Emotional Address
The distinction from the Paris Economic Forum honored Milei for his program of reforms. Speaking at the Automóvil Club de París, the president asserted that his administration achieved a public spending reduction of 30 percent and attained fiscal equilibrium in his very first month in office, a standard he vowed to maintain throughout his presidency. The address featured extensive self-praise alongside complaints about the political costs of executing reforms. As he concluded his remarks, Milei broke down in tears while dedicating the award to his loved ones, including his sister Karina, who bear the collateral effects of his political decisions. He complained of having to endure lies, slander, and insults while fulfilling a quite ungrateful task, and stated that his government is well on its way to eliminating inflation. He dedicated specific praise to his officials, particularly Economy Minister Luis Caputo, whom he called the architect of the miracle, and Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger. Addressing attacks on Sturzenegger, Milei recounted that his telephone exploded with complaints regarding deregulation measures, prompting him to tell the minister that he was doing a wonderful job and ending numerous scams.
Defending Economic Metrics Against International Volatility
Addressing macroeconomic indicators, Milei dismissed concerns over rising sovereign risk metrics. The president blamed global events for the recent uptick in the country risk index, promising that the measure will drop once international convulsions subside, and adding that re-election would trigger a collapse in country risk alongside per capita growth of 7 or 8 percent. Figueroa highlighted that Neuquén offers legal and political security and transforms Vaca Muerta resources into energy, investments, and employment, noting that the two provinces share a deep history in the sector and pointing to a Patagonian port project in Río Negro.
Cabinet Dynamics and Legislative Negotiations in Buenos Aires
The diplomatic mission also served as a backdrop for domestic political strategy. Diego Santilli organized a dinner in Paris uniting thirteen visiting provincial governors with Economy Minister Luis Caputo to discuss the upcoming 2027 Budget and the elimination of primary open mandatory elections, known as PASO. While Milei greeted the governors briefly in a hallway rather than joining the meal, provincial leaders engaged in parallel talks regarding regional funding and electoral alliances that will continue in Buenos Aires. Alfredo Cornejo asserted that the government could win re-election in the first round in 2027 by forming strong alliances with 10 to 12 governors, though Patricia Bullrich raised reservations about that certainty in Congress.
“Les doy mi palabra: mientras yo esté en la silla eléctrica, que es la Presidencia argentina, el equilibrio fiscal se seguirá exigiendo,” Javier Milei stated during his address in the French capital.
