Milei's new challenge: Becoming Trump's delegate in Latin America

Javier Milei aspires to lead a new Latin American right, acting as a “delegate” of US President Donald Trump in the region.

His project is to create a bloc of ideologically aligned governments in the region – it already includes Paraguay and Bolivia, and Milei hopes to add Chile after next month’s run-off election.

In Paraguay, President Santiago Peña is one of Milei’s most visible allies. In Bolivia, meanwhile, Rodrigo Paz recently assumed office with an economic liberalisation agenda, with Milei travelling to attend his November 8 inauguration.

Within this framework, the president sees a strategic axis with great potential – if he manages to attract other similar governments.

The elections in Chile on Sunday, December 14, are crucial. Argentina’s government celebrated the performance of José Antonio Kast, who reached the run-off, and all polls suggest he will be the next Chilean president.

Additionally, Milei has a good relationship with Daniel Noboa, the President of Ecuador, and with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador.

On top of this, there’s his diplomatic capital: Milei’s close relationship with Donald Trump. The La Libertad Avanza would act as an emissary of the US president in Latin America, promoting his free-market agenda and geopolitical confrontations. It’s not just an ideological alliance, but also a strategic move to strengthen his regional power and distance the influence of China from this part of the continent.

However, his ambitious plan faces a significant obstacle: Brazil, led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The tensions between Milei and the veteran leftist are on full display and they will manifest again at the upcoming Mercosur summit on December 20 in Foz de Iguazú – if Argentina’s President chooses to attend.

Another piece in play is the upcoming elections in Colombia on March 8 next year – the Milei government expects a defeat for President Gustavo Petro and the rise of a right-wing candidate.

But with Brazil at the centre of South American power, Lula could still prove to be the most difficult barrier to overcome. At the pinnacle of his project, Milei envisions consolidating a group of Latin American leaders who reflect Trumpist values: free markets, limited government and confrontation with the left.