In a surprising turn of events, the far-right leaders Javier Milei from Argentina and Giorgia Meloni from Italy have formed an unlikely bond despite their ideological differences. While Milei identifies as a libertarian, Meloni leads a nationalist party with historic ties to fascism. Their shared disdain for establishment politicians and embrace of neoliberal policies have brought them together, despite their opposing views on issues like immigration and state intervention.
Milei’s presidency in Argentina has seen the implementation of harsh economic reforms that have negatively impacted the public, leading many to question the true nature of his populist agenda. Similarly, Meloni, who initially garnered praise for her anti-bank stance, has backtracked on populist promises in favor of neoliberal interests, raising questions about her commitment to protecting Italian interests.
Both leaders have also pivoted on foreign policy, aligning themselves with Western powers like the US while neglecting the needs of their own citizens. Their shared hypocrisy in prioritizing neoliberal policies over the well-being of their people reveals the superficial nature of their populist claims.
Ultimately, Meloni and Milei’s friendship is not rooted in genuine beliefs but in a shared desire to maintain the status quo of Western imperialism. As their countries grapple with economic hardships, their focus on hypothetical threats rather than tangible solutions highlights their failure to truly advocate for the people they claim to represent.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.