In his first appearance before the United Nations General Assembly, Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei delivered a forceful speech on September 24, 2024, denouncing globalism and defending individual freedoms. Known for his hardline views against state intervention, Milei's speech centered on a scathing critique of the UN's global governance, particularly its "Agenda 2030" for sustainable development.
Milei began his address by acknowledging the UN's historical role in maintaining global peace post-World War II. However, he quickly shifted gears, criticizing the organization for evolving into what he described as a "multi-tentacled leviathan" that imposes ideological and socialist policies on member states. According to Milei, the UN no longer promotes freedom and individual rights but instead seeks to control how nations and their citizens live their lives. He claimed that the UN’s agenda threatens the sovereignty of nations and violates fundamental rights such as life, liberty, and property.
Nicolás Maduro claims that Javier Milei and Elon Musk are members of a Satanic Cult, he also links them to the "occult forces" behind Adolf H1tler. pic.twitter.com/C8Uy6AQFBS
— Crazy Ass Moments in LatAm Politics (@AssLatam) August 5, 2024
The Argentine leader was particularly critical of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, a global initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development. While acknowledging the noble intentions behind its goals, Milei described the agenda as a "supranational government program" designed to enforce collectivist solutions to modern problems. He argued that these policies, instead of solving issues like poverty and inequality, exacerbate them by infringing on national sovereignty. According to Milei, history shows that prosperity is achieved through limiting government power, ensuring equality before the law, and protecting individual rights.
Milei also lambasted the UN’s role in supporting COVID-19 lockdowns during the pandemic, labeling them a "crime against humanity." He accused the UN of enabling oppressive regimes such as Cuba and Venezuela by allowing them to sit on the Human Rights Council without scrutiny. The Argentine president framed his country’s position as one that stands in stark opposition to these policies, promising that Argentina would no longer support any international initiatives that restrict freedom or economic trade.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet Elon Musk in New York on Monday, September 23.
Then Elon will present PM of Italy, Giorgia Meloni with the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award.
It will be a historic moment. 🇺🇸🇮🇹🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/eIbUHLsj8K
— SMX 🇺🇸 (@iam_smx) September 21, 2024
At the heart of his speech was a call for a new global order based on liberty. Milei announced that Argentina would abandon its traditional stance of neutrality in international affairs and instead take a leading role in defending freedom on the world stage. "As of today, Argentina will be at the vanguard of the fight for liberty," Milei declared, evoking the spirit of revolutionary thinkers like Thomas Paine. He concluded his speech with a challenge to the global community, urging other nations to join Argentina in creating a new "Agenda of Liberty" to replace the UN’s current globalist approach.
Milei's bold rhetoric at the UN comes as part of his broader libertarian agenda, which has gained significant traction in Argentina. Elected on a platform that rejects "the political caste" and promotes radical economic reforms, Milei has vowed to dismantle what he sees as a bloated and inefficient state. His vision for Argentina includes reducing taxes, shrinking the public sector, and fostering free-market policies. These ideas were reflected in his UN speech, where he reiterated his belief that free trade and limited government intervention are the keys to global peace and prosperity.
Milei’s speech stood in sharp contrast to that of U.S. President Joe Biden, who had addressed the General Assembly just hours earlier. While Biden focused on the importance of democratic governance and warned against authoritarianism, Milei took a more confrontational tone, accusing international organizations like the UN of undermining individual freedoms. The stark difference between the two leaders' addresses highlighted the growing ideological divide on the global stage.
Milei’s debut at the UN has garnered significant attention both at home and abroad. In Argentina, his stance against globalism resonates with his supporters, who view him as a champion of economic freedom and individual rights. However, his fiery rhetoric may also deepen divisions within the international community, as Milei's rejection of multilateralism stands at odds with the collaborative efforts promoted by the UN.
