BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine teenager Tomas Kremenchuzky is preparing to cast his first-ever vote in the presidential election on Oct. 22. This election is considered the most open and uncertain race in his lifetime, with the frontrunner candidate threatening to disrupt the country’s economic model.
Argentina is one of the few Latin American countries that grants the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. Seventeen-year-old Kremenchuzky, also known as “Toto,” belongs to this teenage electorate.
In a nation plagued by a cost-of-living crisis and triple-digit inflation, many young Argentines struggle to find opportunities amidst years of political and economic volatility. This backdrop has significantly contributed to the popularity of Javier Milei, a wild-haired and bold political outsider who wears leather jackets, serenades his fans with rock songs, criticizes “thieving” politicians, and advocates for the “burning down” of the central bank.
“Milei’s way of speaking engrosses me. He has a unique style of expression that resonates with people,” said Toto, who hails from a well-off background, plays soccer, and attends a private school in Buenos Aires.
In the previous open primary vote held in August, Toto supported conservative candidate Patricia Bullrich, mainly influenced by his parents. However, he indicates that he might shift his vote to Milei if the libertarian convinces him during the election debates.
“Milei proposes something different, which could turn out to be either very good or very bad in practice,” Toto commented.
Nevertheless, Milei’s conservative social views and promise of significant cuts to government spending repel some young voters.
Rocio Pozzetti, a 16-year-old attending a public art school, fears that Milei’s policies would dismantle social safety nets, disproportionately affecting the poor. Despite the economic turbulence overseen by Sergio Massa, the Peronist ruling party candidate, during his tenure as economy minister, Pozzetti intends to vote for him.
“Massa is the only candidate who aligns with my ideals and has the potential to construct a better country, ensuring social justice,” Pozzetti affirmed. “It concerns me that people support Milei.”
Pozzetti, who studies theater and dance, comprehends the frustration driving individuals to abandon the familiar in favor of the unknown.
“I believe many voted for Milei because he presented a fresh face and embodies the anger that everyone harbors towards politics. Consequently, people could identify with him,” she observed.
Eighteen-year-old Buenos Aires resident Noelle Chab voted for Milei in the primaries and intends to support him again in October as she believes he represents change and desires to “remove” the Peronist government.
“Javier Milei is the only one offering a change in Argentine politics,” Chab conveyed. “It’s evident that this government is the worst in Argentine history, having inflicted and continuing to inflict significant harm.”
Simon Rubinstein, a 17-year-old who loves soccer, Formula 1, and “Star Wars,” appreciates Milei’s ideas of reducing the size of the state. However, he expresses concern about certain proposals such as dollarization and relaxed gun controls.
“Considering the country’s economic situation, regardless of the outcome, we will face several difficult years,” commented Rubinstein, who supported Bullrich in the primary.
All the young voters voiced apprehension regarding Milei’s socially conservative views, particularly his strong anti-abortion stance. It’s worth noting that Argentina legalized abortion in late 2020, and overturning the law would prove challenging.
“It seems nearly impossible for people to support him on this issue, and the abortion law will likely remain as it is,” Toto remarked.
Reporting by Magali Druscovich and Lucila Sigal; writing by Adam Jourdan; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien.
