Presidents, prime ministers and political leaders across the Americas offered their congratulations to president-elect Javier Milei on Sunday night after his victory in Argentina’s run-off.
Here are some of the key reactions after partial official results were released, which showed a more than 10-point lead for Milei over his rival, Economy Minister Sergio Massa.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wished "good luck and success" to Argentina’s government in a social media post that did not name the president-elect. "I wish good luck and success to the new government. Argentina is a great country and deserves all of our respect. Brazil will always be available to work together with our Argentine brothers," leftist Lula wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Democracy is the voice of the people and must always be respected ... I wish the new government good luck and success. Argentina is a great country and deserves all our respect. Brazil will always be available to work with our Argentine brothers.”
Gabriel Boric, President of Chile
"I salute Javier Milei for his triumph and Sergio Massa for his dignified acknowledgement of defeat. To the Argentine people I wish them the best and know that they will always have our respect and support. As President of Chile I will work tirelessly to keep our sister nations united.”
Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia
"The extreme right has won in Argentina; it is the decision of their society. Sad for Latin America and we will see ... The relations between Colombia and Argentina, the links between their peoples will be maintained in mutual respect. I congratulate Milei. And we await from Argentine progressives the assessments that will allow the Latin American peoples to learn from the lessons of history.”
Luis Lacalle Pou, President of Uruguay
"I greet President-elect Javier Milei. We have much to work on together and to improve our bilateral relations.
Guillermo Lasso, outgoing President of Ecuador
"Argentines have elected Javier Milei as their new president in a democratic process. The Government of Ecuador congratulates the President-elect and wishes him every success, so that he can solve the pressing problems of his country and take the most appropriate decisions to improve the quality of life of Argentines.”
Santiago Peña, President of Paraguay
"I greet on behalf of the Paraguayan people the brotherly Argentine people, for an exemplary election day. I congratulate Javier Milei on his victory and offer Paraguay's cordial and fraternal hand to strengthen relations between our countries. To the great people of Argentina, cheers."
Laurentino Cortizo, President of Panama
"I congratulate the Argentine people on the election of their new president @JMilei. I wish them success in this stage and I trust that, through cooperation, we will continue to strengthen relations between both countries and work together for the well-being of our peoples."
Presidency of Peru
"Peru expresses its warm congratulations to @JMilei on his election as President of the Republic of Argentina. In wishing him every success in his administration, it renews its commitment to continue strengthening the historic ties of friendship and cooperation that unite our countries."
Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organisation of American States
"From @OEA_oficial we send our congratulations to President-elect Javier Milei on his victory, wishing him success in his administration that he will begin in front of @CasaRosada. We look forward to continuing to strengthen ties of cooperation for prosperity and democracy in Argentina."
Marc R. Stanley, US Ambassador to Argentina
"Congratulations to Javier Milei and the Argentine people! We look forward to working together on shared priorities that benefit the people of our two countries, including protecting human rights and democracy, combating climate change, improving the investment climate and investing in the middle class."
María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader
"Congratulations to all Argentines for an exemplary electoral process, and to their President-elect, Javier Milei. The struggle for change and freedom is advancing in Latin America. Long live Argentina! Long live free Venezuela!
Donald Trump, former US president
"I'm so proud of you. You will completely change your country and make Argentina great again."
Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil
"Congratulations to the Argentine people on their victory with @JMilei. Hope shines again in South America ... May these good winds reach the United States and Brazil so that honesty, progress and freedom return to all of us."
Santiago Abascal, president of the Spanish far-right VOX party
"Congratulations dear Javier Milei on your great victory ... Today opens a path of future and hope for Argentines and all of Latin America that we celebrate in Spain with special joy. Long live Spain, long live Argentina, long live free socialism and sovereignty!"
– TIMES/AFP
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