Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed fascination with Argentinian President Javier Milei's unconventional approach to the long-standing Falkland Islands dispute, framing it as a form of economic 'competition'.
Praise for Economic Reforms
During a significant speech to Latin American investors and academics on Wednesday, Badenoch commended the anarcho-capitalist leader for his radical austerity programme. Argentina's inflation has plummeted from a peak of nearly 300 per cent to around 31 per cent following sweeping deregulation and cuts to pensions and benefits. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) now forecasts growth to exceed 5 per cent this year.
Badenoch went so far as to compare Milei's decisive action to that of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, suggesting he had implemented reforms even more rapidly. She highlighted the political courage required, stating, "They did those things knowing that it could make them unpopular, but knowing that they also could win the argument."
The Falklands 'Competition'
The core of Badenoch's remarks centred on Milei's comments from April, where he outlined his unique stance on the Falklands' sovereignty. Instead of aggressive rhetoric, Milei stated his ambition was to make Argentina so powerful and prosperous that the Islanders would "prefer to be Argentinian". He termed the most important vote as the one "cast with your feet".
Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Badenoch responded directly to this concept. "I find that fascinating. I love competition. I think competition is what will grow all our global economies," she said. Despite this, she was unequivocal in reaffirming the UK's position, adding that "any Conservative government that I lead would be unwavering in our support for British sovereignty over the Falklands."
Milei's Influence on UK Politics
The influence of the Argentinian president's style appears to be resonating within the UK's Conservative Party. Figures like Andrew Griffith have symbolically emulated Milei's use of a chainsaw, a prop representing the slashing of state bureaucracy. Badenoch's speech further signals an ideological alignment with Milei's libertarian economic vision, even as the two nations maintain their fundamental disagreement over the Falkland Islands.
