La Libertad Avanza Explained

Liberty Advances
Native Name:La Libertad Avanza
Native Name Lang:es
Abbreviation:LLA
Leader:Javier Milei
Founded:[1]
Affiliation1 Title:Member parties
Affiliation1:See integrated parties
Position:Right-wing to far-right
Slogan:Spanish; Castilian: ¡VIVA LA LIBERTAD!.
("LONG LIVE FREEDOM!")
Seats1 Title:Mercosur Parliament
Seats2 Title:Senate
Seats3 Title:Chamber of Deputies[2]
Seats4 Title:Governors
Seats5 Title:Provincial Legislatures
Seats6 Title:Municipalities
Country:Argentina

La Libertad Avanza (English: Liberty Advances) is an Argentine political coalition, which originated in Buenos Aires.[3] It has been described as far-right, with conservative and ultraconservative stances on social and cultural issues,[4] and as right-wing libertarian or ultra-liberal on economic issues.[5] Its first electoral participation was at the 2021 Argentine legislative election,[6] obtaining the third place with 17% of the votes in the capital.[7]

The coalition is led by the economist Javier Milei,[8] who was elected the President of Argentina as the coalition's candidate in the 2023 Argentine general election.[9] After sealing an agreement with the politician Juan José Gómez Centurión, the candidates Victoria Villarruel and María Fernanda Araujo, among other conservative leaders, joined the alliance.[10] Milei presented himself separately from the Buenos Aires candidate José Luis Espert, with whom he had previously been linked in the Avanza Libertad,[11] and said there was no relations with the homonymous Córdoba front.[12]

Ideologically, La Libertad Avanza has taken paleolibertarian,[13] minarchist,[14] anarcho-capitalist,[15] Argentine nationalist,[16] and anti-communist positions.[17] It has been described as anti-establishment,[18] anti-politics,[19] and opposed to Kirchnerism.[20] Due to its radical political stances, such as those of its leader Milei, who has been described as a controversial, eccentric,[21] and economically ultraconservative,[22] the coalition has been labelled as far-right.

Milei and Villarruel were the coalition's successful presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2023 general election.[23] The coalition calls itself "a government alliance, which brings together, convenes, and addresses men and women of all social conditions, made up of different political parties, and created to promote liberal policies that contribute to the economic, political, cultural, and social takeoff that we Argentines need to return to being the thriving country that we were at the beginning of the year 1900."[24]

History

Foundation

On 14 July 2021, La Libertad Avanza was formalized in Buenos Aires, where many of its member parties are from,[25] to participate in the 2021 Argentine legislative election, having Javier Milei and Victoria Villarruel as the main candidates for national deputies, and Ramiro Marra as the first candidate for the Buenos Aires City Legislature.[26] [27] The coalition was formed by the Integration and Development Movement (MID), Unite for Freedom and Dignity, the and Movement of Pensioners and Youth.[28] In addition, they had the support of parties without legal personality in the district, such as the NOS party of Juan José Gómez Centurión, or Milei's Libertarian Party.[29]

Election campaign and primary elections

On 7 August 2021, the alliance launched its electoral campaign for the primary elections in Argentina with Milei headlining the event in Plaza Holanda, Palermo, Buenos Aires.[30] Villarruel and Marra also took part at the event, where it was emphasized the critique the political caste and the national government of Alberto Fernández.[31]

On 5 September 2021, the alliance closed its electoral campaign for the 2021 primary elections in Lezama Park, San Telmo, Buenos Aires.[32] The event was estimated to have been attended by at least 25,000 people and focused on criticism mainly in Frente de Todos and Juntos por el Cambio.[33] Hours before the event, Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of the president of Brazil; in a video call with Milei, he stated that he supported their coalition.[34] In the 2021 primary elections, they obtained 242,839 votes for national deputies, 13.90% of the votes, and 238,797 votes, or 13.82% of the votes, for Buenos Aires legislators. They became the third force in the district after Juntos por el Cambio and the Frente de Todos.[35]

General election

In the general election, the coalition obtained 313,808 votes for national deputies, 17.04% of the votes, and 318,978 votes for Buenos Aires legislators, 16.74% of the votes. With these results, they obtained two national deputies and five Porteño legislators. The coalition celebrated the results at the Luna Park Stadium, where one of the custodians threatened to draw his non-lethal weapon at the attempt of one of the spectators to get on stage.[36]

According to the electoral campaign financing reports that were submitted after the deadline, the alliance did not obtain private financing and relied exclusively on funds provided by the state. For this reason, doubts arose about the financing of the campaign, which included events with LED screens and sound, as well as rentals such as Luna Park and the Grand View hotel. In that sense, Carlos Maslatón, one of the organizers of the campaign, excused himself by saying that the financing of political campaigns was 98% in black.[37]

National bloc

On 23 April 2022, the coalition held a political event, headed by Milei in O'Higgins park, promoted by the Democratic Party of Mendoza, with which they signed a political agreement, as well as with the national Democratic Party.[38] This agreement was put to a vote by the party's national convention on 28 May.[39] On 16 May, it was confirmed that the Democratic Party of Córdoba would join the coalition structure, and that its referent, Rodolfo Eiben, had intentions of competing for the governorship of the province.[40] On 24 May, the central board of the Democratic Party of Mendoza voted in favor of the agreement with the coalition, with 43 votes in favor, 16 against, and two abstentions.[41] On 28 May, the national convention of the national Democratic Party, with 11 votes in favor and three against, voted in favor of the agreement with Milei and the coalition for the 2023 Argentine general election.[42]

On 29 April 2022, an agreement was made with the Neighborhood Confederation of Entre Ríos through the Buenos Aires legislator Rebeca Fleitas, a native of that province. After various talks since November 2021, an agreement was sealed between the coalition and Alfredo Avelín, president of Cruzada Renovadora, in the province of San Juan during the month of May.[43] In addition, negotiations with the party in the province of Jujuy were confirmed.[44] In the same way, an agreement was signed with Fuerza Republicana of Ricardo Bussi in the province of Tucumán.[43] A coalition political event in the province was also confirmed for 23 July.[43] By the end of May, after four weeks of negotiations, the Integration and Development Movement reached an agreement with the coalition in the province of Córdoba, also joining the district assembly.[45]

In July 2023, businessman Juan Carlos Blumberg alleged that leaders close to Milei, such as Carlos Kikuchi, former political advisor to Domingo Cavallo, charged up to $50,000 in exchange for political positions. Blumberg also said that within La Libertad Avanza there are people close to Sergio Massa and Kirchnerism.[46] In response, Milei defended himself on social networks, arguing: "These days we have been harshly questioned about the financing of our campaign. In our space, each one of us self-finances the campaign, that is, we do it with our own money and effort. That bothers traditional politicians, because they finance themselves with taxes, that is, they steal what you pay them to campaign. In this space the one who comes to put stays, here each one banks with his own; anyone who wants to come here to see if he steals a load gets ejected."[47] In addition to Blumberg, the journalist Carlos Eguia, who was the candidate for governor in the province of Neuquén for La Libertad Avanza, denounced an alleged "sale of the brand and places" on the lists. Faced with these accusations, Julio Serna, a leader close to Carlos Kikuchi, stated that "money was never asked, we only explained how to run a campaign."[48] The justice system began an investigation against Milei. Ramiro González, the prosecutor with electoral jurisdiction, summoned the leaders Carlos Maslatón, Rebeca Maria Belen Fleitas, and Mila Zurbriggen to testify. Although Maslatón did not provide concrete evidence, he claimed to have obtained data on the sale of positions; Fleitas and Zurbriggen denied having specific data. Blumberg was also summoned to testify but did not appear. Milei accused González of "damaging his image" and demanded that the justice system investigate him instead. The claim is in charge of the attorney general Eduardo Casal.[49] [50] The case was closed in March 2024: the prosecutor could not find any evidence of wrongdoing to investigate any crime.[51]

Political positions

State reform

La Libertad Avanza advocates for a reduction in the size and scope of the Argentine state, arguing that its current scale and regulatory framework are detrimental to economic efficiency and individual prosperity. The party emphasizes that the primary role of the state should be to protect fundamental rights, including life, liberty, and property.[52]

Government reform

La Libertad Avanza proposes a streamlined federal government structure, which would include the retention or creation of the following ministries, reducing their total number to 8 from the current 19:

Specific reductions

The party outlines specific areas for reducing government bureaucracy and expenditures, including:

Economic reforms

La Libertad Avanza attributes Argentina's economic challenges to a centralized and bureaucratic system. They argue that a market-oriented approach, grounded in principles of limited government and free trade, is more conducive to economic growth and prosperity.

Specific economic reforms

La Libertad Avanza proposes a series of specific reforms that include:

Judicial reforms

La Libertad Avanza contends that the judiciary plays a critical role in democratic governance and economic development, but argues that it has been compromised by political influences. According to the party, the judiciary currently falls short of its role in checking political power and safeguarding individual rights. The party proposes a judicial reform aimed at depoliticizing the system and strengthening its role in defending citizens' rights.

Specific judicial reforms

The party proposes specific reforms to improve the judiciary's function and independence, including:

Human capital

La Libertad Avanza proposes a comprehensive approach to addressing issues related to health, social development, labor, and education by consolidating them into a single Ministry of Human Capital. The party argues that those who rely on state assistance are not to blame for their circumstances, and it is the existing political system that is at fault. It advocates for maintaining social assistance until the country can transition to a more prosperous economic model based on freedom. La Libertad Avanza also champions the long-term transition to private systems for healthcare and education.

Childhood and family

The party identifies childhood poverty and lack of access to basic amenities as significant issues in Argentina, attributing these to long-standing policy failures.

Education

La Libertad Avanza aims for education reform based on principles of choice and competition. They argue that the current education system, largely centralized and bureaucratic, has failed to meet the needs of Argentine citizens.

Health

The party maintains that the current public health system is ineffective and calls for significant reforms.

Security reforms

La Libertad Avanza asserts that Argentina's declining security situation is primarily due to an "abolitionist" culture that views criminals as victims and the large size of the state, which has led to lack of control over its essential functions. The party emphasizes that the role of security forces and the state is to repress criminal activities to protect citizens' life, liberty, and property. In line with this, they propose a new security doctrine grounded in the principle of "you reap what you sow."

Specific security reforms

Defence policy

The party views national defense as a fundamental responsibility of the federal government and advocates for an autonomous approach supported by the national private industry. It emphasizes the need to value the armed forces and their personnel, proposing a series of reforms to modernize and adequately finance the military.

Specific defence reforms

Foreign relations

La Libertad Avanza proposes a new doctrine in foreign relations, focused on two main principles: defending liberal democracies globally and promoting free trade between nations. The party declares that Argentina will no longer be an ally to dictatorships and seeks to reestablish its position among democratic and free countries.

Specific foreign relations proposals

Infrastructure

The party aims to revolutionize public works through two schemes designed to eliminate corruption and reduce public spending. The first involves adopting a private initiative model for public works, inspired by Chilean, Peruvian, and Swiss systems. The second focuses on the National Program for Urbanization Trusts, Neighborhood Infrastructure, and Cost-based Construction to address Argentina's housing deficit.

Specific infrastructure proposals

Presidents

See also: Presidency of Javier Milei.

Integrated parties

National

PartyLeaderIdeologyPositionRef.
Democratic PartyCarlos BalterConservatismRight-wing to far-right[53] [54] [55]
Libertarian PartyJavier MileiRight-libertarianismFar-right[56] [57] [58]
Light Blue and White UnionCarlos Fabian LuayzaFederal Peronism[59]
Federal Renewal PartyJosé Videla SáenzFederal PeronismRight-wing[60]
FE PartyCecilio SalazarFederal PeronismRight-wing

Provincial

PartyLeaderProvincesIdeologyPositionRef.
Democratic PartyCarlos BalterBuenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, San Luis, ChacoConservatismRight-wing
Integration and Development Movement (factions)Juan Pablo CarriqueBuenos Aires, CABA, CórdobaDevelopmentalismCentre[61]
Unite for Freedom and DignityJosé BonacciBuenos Aires, CABA, Santa FeNational conservatismFar-right[62] [63]
Federal Renewal PartyJosé Videla SáenzBuenos AiresFederal PeronismRight-wing
Pensioners and Youth MovementGerman FossCABARepublicanismRight-wing
Neighborhood Confederation of Entre RíosAlberto OlivettiEntre RíosVecinalismCentre[64] [65]
Republican ForceRicardo BussiTucumánNational conservatismFar-right

Former members

Electoral performance

Legislative elections

Senate

Notes and References

  1. News: Without an agreement with Together for Change, José Luis Espert and Javier Milei will compete separately in the primary elections (PASO). 15 July 2021. 3 February 2024. Infobae. Spanish.
  2. Web site: Se confirmó la ruptura del bloque de la Libertad Avanza en Diputados: Oscar Zago y dos aliados conformaron una nueva bancada y es incierto el futuro de Marcela Pagano . 12 April 2024 .
  3. News: 12 November 2022. El Diario. 15 September 2021. La ultraderecha que sueña con replicar a Vox avanza en Argentina.
  4. Web site: Paladini . Eduardo . 2022-04-11 . Javier Milei decidió que será candidato a presidente: qué tiene, cuánto mide y a quiénes quiere sumar . 2022-04-12 . Clarín . es.
  5. News: 24 July 2021 . José Luis Espert y Javier Milei presentaron listas de candidatos separadas y con sorpresas. José Luis Espert and Javier Milei presented separate candidate lists with surprises . Clarin . 7 September 2021. es.
  6. Web site: 2023-05-27. 2023-05-27. Pablo. es. Stefanoni. Milei, ¿un libertarismo hidropónico?. elDiarioAR.com.
  7. News: 14 December 2022. 11 December 2022. Javier Milei consolida sello electoral en la Provincia de Entre Ríos.
  8. News: 10 October 2022. Diario con Vos. 21 October 2021. Milei reveló que cortaría el comercio con China por "comunistas".
  9. Web site: 2023-04-28. 2022-01-14. Polémica en Argentina: el diputado ultraconservador Milei sortea públicamente su sueldo. Controversy in Argentina: the ultra-conservative deputy Milei publicly raffles his salary. France 24. es.
  10. Web site: Rallo. Juan Ramón. 17 August 2023. Milei, ¿ultraderecha?. 20 August 2023. La Razón. es . 19 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230819220054/https://www.larazon.es/opinion/milei-ultraderecha_2023081764dd4edc714dff0001b67cf7.html . live.
  11. News: Morresi. Sergio. 8 September 2021. elDiarioAR.com. 29 August 2021. "Libertarios": ¿Nada nuevo bajo el sol?.
  12. News: 15 July 2021 . Sin acuerdo con Juntos por el Cambio, José Luis Espert y Javier Milei competirán separados en las PASO. Without an agreement with Juntos por el Cambio, José Luis Espert y Javier Milei will compete separately in the PASO. Infobae . 7 September 2021. es.
  13. News: 6 September 2021 . Quiénes son los precandidatos para las PASO 2021 en Ciudad y Provincia de Buenos Aires. Who are the pre-candidates for PASO 2021 in the City and Province of Buenos Aires? . Perfil . 7 September 2021. es.
  14. Web site: Alianzas Reconocidas Por Distrito al 27 de Julio de 2021. Alliances Recognized By District as of July 27, 2021. 2021-07-27 . Cámara Nacional Electoral . es.
  15. News: 7 September 2021 . Milei-Gómez Centurión: se ha formado una pareja. Milei-Gómez Centurión: A partnership has formed. Prensa Obrera . 7 September 2021. es.
  16. News: 7 August 2021 . Milei hizo ruido en Plaza Holanda: "No vengo a guiar corderos, vengo a despertar leones" . Milei made noise in Plaza Holanda: "I'm not here to guide lambs, I'm here to wake up lions". Perfil . 9 August 2021. es.
  17. News: 7 August 2021 . Con críticas a la "casta política" y una plaza repleta de jóvenes libertarios, Javier Milei lanzó su candidatura . With criticism of the "political caste" and a square full of young Libertarians, Javier Milei launched his candidacy. Clarin . 9 August 2021. es.
  18. News: 5 September 2021 . "La casta tiene miedo": El furioso cierre de campaña de Javier Milei. "The caste is afraid": The furious closure of Javier Milei's campaign. La Nacion . 6 September 2021. es.
  19. News: 6 September 2021 . Ante una multitud, Javier Milei cerró su campaña con críticas al kirchnerismo y a Juntos por el Cambio: "¿Por qué están tan asustados?". Before a crowd, Javier Milei closed his campaign with criticism of Kirchnerism and Juntos por el Cambio: "Why are you so scared?" . Infobae . 6 September 2021. es.
  20. News: 6 September 2021 . El apoyo del hijo de Jair Bolsonaro a Javier Milei en medio del escándalo del partido suspendido. The support of Jair Bolsonaro's son for Javier Milei amid the scandal of the suspended party . La Nacion . 6 September 2021. es.
  21. News: 12 September 2021 . Javier Milei supera los 13 puntos y los libertarios se consolidan como tercera fuerza en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Javier Milei surpasses 13 points and the libertarians consolidate as the third force in the city of Buenos Aires . Infobae . 21 September 2021. es.
  22. News: 15 November 2021 . Javier Milei subió la apuesta por su custodio y defendió la tenencia de armas. Javier Milei upped the ante for his custodian and defended the possession of weapons . Perfil . 6 December 2021. es.
  23. News: Ini . Candela . 2021-11-23 . Cómo se financió la campaña de Javier Milei, entre la austeridad y los números ocultos. How Javier Milei's campaign was financed, between austerity and hidden numbers . es-AR . La Nación . 2021-11-25 . 0325-0946.
  24. News: 1 May 2022 . Carlos Balter se ilusiona con la llegada de Milei y habla de la casta. Carlos Balter is excited about the arrival of Milei and talks about the caste . MDZ . 21 April 2022. es.
  25. News: 23 May 2022 . Comienza el ajedrez interno del partido que impulsa a Javier Milei en Mendoza. The internal chess of the party that drives Javier Milei in Mendoza begins . MDZ . 24 May 2022. es.
  26. News: 16 May 2022 . Rodolfo Eiben será el candidato a gobernador de Milei en Córdoba. Rodolfo Eiben will be Milei's candidate for governor in Córdoba . Perfil . 16 May 2022. es.
  27. News: 25 May 2022 . El contundente apoyo que recibió Javier Milei en su carrera presidencial. The forceful support that Javier Milei received in his presidential race . MDZ . 25 May 2022. es.
  28. News: 28 May 2022 . Javier Milei ya tiene un sello partidario para postularse a presidente. Javier Milei already has a party stamp of approval to run for president . MDZ . 28 May 2022. es.
  29. News: 22 May 2022 . Milei amplía su armado: acto con Ricardo Bussi, negociaciones en San Juan y charlas con Granata y los "gansos" mendocinos . Milei expands her assembly: act with Ricardo Bussi, negotiations in San Juan and talks with Granata and the Mendoza "geese". ElDiarioAR . 25 May 2022. es.
  30. News: 25 May 2022 . Javier Milei avanza con su proyecto nacional con alianzas polémicas y un armado artesanal . Javier Milei advances with his national project with controversial alliances and an artisan assembly. La Nacion . 25 May 2022. es.
  31. Web site: Bogdanov . Ariel . 2022-05-31 . La Libertad Avanza suma otro partido en Córdoba: el MID. La Libertad Avanza adds another party in Córdoba: the MID . 2022-06-03 . Diario Alfil . es.
  32. Web site: 25 July 2023 . Blumberg insistió en la venta de candidaturas de Milei y aseguró quiere ir a la Justicia . 7 September 2023 . Ámbito . es.
  33. Web site: 5 July 2023 . 'En este espacio se queda el que viene a poner': la explicación de Milei ante la denuncia de venta de candidaturas . 7 September 2023 . Infobae . es.
  34. Web site: Galligani . Federico . 8 July 2023 . Uno de los armadores de Javier Milei negó la venta de candidaturas: 'Nunca se pidió plata, solo les explicamos cómo hacer una campaña' . 7 September 2023 . Infobae . es.
  35. Web site: 2023-07-15 . La Justicia no encontró pruebas sobre la venta de candidaturas de Milei y analiza llamar a más testigos . 2023-09-07 . Todo Noticias . es.
  36. Web site: 2023-07-15 . Venta de candidaturas: la justicia no encontró pruebas contra Javier Milei y llamará a nuevos testigos . 2023-09-07 . A24 . es.
  37. Web site: Archivaron la causa por la presunta venta de candidaturas en las listas de Javier Milei. The case over alleged sale of candidatures in the lists of Javier Milei is archived. Spanish. March 22, 2023. Clarín. March 25, 2024.
  38. Web site: 2023-08-04 . Punto por punto: el plan de gobierno que presentó Javier Milei . 2023-09-04 . LA NACION . es.
  39. News: Javier Milei consigue atraer a los jóvenes en Mendoza, aunque la estructura que lo promueve es un partido de los más conservadores. Javier Milei manages to attract young people in Mendoza, although the structure that promotes him is one of the most conservative parties. 23 April 2022. Clarín. 1 May 2022. es.
  40. News: La Convención Nacional del Partido Demócrata eligió a Milei como su candidato para el 2023. The National Convention of the Democratic Party chose Milei as its candidate for 2023. 2022-05-30. jornadaonline.com. es.
  41. Web site: El Partido Demócrata Chaco apoya a Javier Milei como candidato presidencial. The Chaco Democratic Party supports Javier Milei as presidential candidate. 2022-06-03. Rossi. Néstor. 31 May 2022 . es-AR.
  42. Web site: EPE . 2021-11-15 . La Libertad Avanza, el partido libertario que ha entrado en el Congreso de Argentina . 2023-11-11 . elperiodicodeespana . es.
  43. Web site: 2023-10-16 . En Rosario, se lanzó el Partido Libertario a nivel nacional Política . 2023-11-11 . La Voz del Interior . es.
  44. Web site: 2023-10-17 . El Partido Libertario se consolida en La Libertad Avanza . 2023-11-11 . Alfil . es.
  45. Web site: Cámara Nacional Electoral. National Electoral Chamber. 2022-11-08. www.electoral.gob.ar. es.
  46. Web site: 2023-04-25 . El Partido Renovador Federal votó (y avaló) el apoyo a la candidatura de Milei . 2023-08-27 . www.memo.com.ar . es.
  47. Web site: Javier Milei afianza su armado para 2023 con nuevas alianzas y prepara un acto masivo junto a "El Dipy". Javier Milei consolidates his assembly for 2023 with new alliances and prepares a massive act with "El Dipy". 2022-06-03. es.
  48. News: 18 July 2021 . Ni Frente de Todos ni Juntos por el Cambio: cuáles son las listas que se presentan a elecciones por fuera de las grandes alianzas. Neither Frente de Todos nor Juntos por el Cambio: What are the electoral platforms outside the big alliances? . Infobae . 3 June 2022. es.
  49. News: José Bonacci: "Yo no sé si el pueblo sigue a Milei por su prédica liberal". José Bonacci: "I don't know if the people follow Milei because of his liberal preaching". 3 June 2022. El Ciudadano. 29 May 2022. es.
  50. News: 21 May 2022 . Javier Milei, vecinalistas en Entre Ríos, va Rebeca Fleitas. Javier Milei, residents of Entre Ríos, goes to Rebeca Fleitas . Urgente24 . 21 May 2022. es.
  51. News: 21 May 2022 . "La gente busca esperanza y el vecinalismo se la quiere dar", dijo Fleitas. "The people look for hope and neighborhoodism wants to give it to them," said Fleitas. ELONCE . 21 May 2022. es.
  52. Web site: En Entre Ríos celebran el desdoblamiento electoral y los espacios afinan sus estrategias para 2023. 13 December 2022 . In Entre Ríos, they celebrate the electoral division and the spaces refine their strategies for 2023. 2022-12-14. Infobae. es.
  53. Web site: 16 August 2023 . La justicia electoral avaló las alianzas departidos para las PASO . 27 August 2023 . La Voz de Zárate . es.
  54. Web site: 16 August 2023 . Quiénes son los 'dueños' de los 16 partidos que integran UP, Unión por la Patria . 27 August 2023 . Memo . es.