Javier Gerardo Milei (born October 22, 1970) is an Argentine economist, author, and politician who has served as the 59th President of Argentina since December 10, 2023. A self-described anarcho-capitalist and libertarian, Milei rose to national prominence as a confrontational television pundit and an outspoken critic of the Argentine political establishment before successfully transitioning into electoral politics. Born in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires to Norberto Horacio Milei, a bus driver, and Alicia Lujan Lucich, a homemaker, Milei grew up in the Villa Devoto neighborhood. He has characterized his upbringing as difficult, citing a complicated relationship with his parents. During his youth, he was a goalkeeper for the Chacarita Juniors football club and was the lead singer in a Rolling Stones cover band, Everest. He eventually pivoted toward economics, influenced by the high inflation environment of the late 1980s. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Belgrano and later completed two master's degrees, one from the Institute for Economic and Social Development and another from Torcuato Di Tella University. Prior to entering politics, Milei established a career as a prominent economist in both the private and academic sectors. He held positions at HSBC Argentina and was a chief economist for Máxima AFJP and the Corporación América conglomerate, where he served as an advisor to businessman Eduardo Eurnekian for over a decade. His public profile grew significantly in the 2010s due to his frequent, high-energy appearances on Argentine television, where he sharply criticized government spending and interventionist policies. In 2021, Milei entered formal politics, founding the coalition La Libertad Avanza ("Liberty Advances"). Running on a platform of libertarian reforms, he was elected to the Argentine Chamber of Deputies representing the City of Buenos Aires. As a legislator, he became known for his unorthodox practice of raffling off his monthly salary to supporters via social media, a move he described as a protest against the political "caste." Milei launched his presidential campaign for the 2023 general election with a platform centered on drastic economic restructuring, including the abolition of the Central Bank of Argentina, the dollarization of the economy, and significant cuts to public spending. He often appeared at rallies brandishing a chainsaw, a symbol of his pledge to slash the size of the state. After emerging as the most-voted candidate in the primary elections, he defeated Minister of Economy Sergio Massa in the presidential runoff on November 19, 2023, with approximately 56% of the vote. Since taking office in December 2023, Milei’s administration has pursued an aggressive agenda of fiscal austerity, deregulation, and structural reform. His policies led to Argentina achieving its first fiscal budget surplus in over a decade within his first months. While these measures have helped moderate monthly inflation rates, his tenure has also been marked by economic recession, public protests against spending cuts, and ongoing legislative challenges as he navigates a congress where his party holds a minority of seats. Throughout his career, his sister, Karina Milei, has served as his closest political advisor and is frequently described as a central figure in his personal and professional life.