As Argentina contends to remain the second-largest economy in South America, its new president Javier Milei is prescribing some tough love to fix the national balance sheet. (“Chainsaw time, Milei warns as he takes office”, DT, 12/12). Credentialed as a “libertarian”, his prospects for success are surely limited if a laissez-faire financial model is ever to be trusted in a historically corrupt Latin American environment. Looking woollier than a windswept Boris Johnson, the long-haired Milei must have looked the comical candidate as he proselytised for a chainsaw haircut for the country’s budget when he badly needed one himself. Spending money on capital projects to create wealth and promote employment would be surely a safer long-term path than risking smaller government, ignoring poverty and waiting for street protests. Obviously, there are job opportunities for barbers and hair stylists in Buenos Aires that the new president must capitalise on. Alan Sexton, Parramatta 13Dec2023.
