Milei and his "deep chainsaw": radical reforms on the first anniversary of his administration.

On his first anniversary at the helm of the Casa Rosada, President Javier Milei has promised a series of radical reforms that will chart a new course for Argentina. During a message to the nation, the far-right leader announced the implementation of what he calls a "deep chainsaw," which entails a drastic reduction in the size of the state and unprecedented tax cuts. With an eye on 2025, Milei anticipates that next year taxes will be cut by 90% and the Central Bank will be eliminated, a proposal that has generated both enthusiasm among his supporters and concern among critical sectors. Milei, who has used the metaphor of the chainsaw to describe his approach to reducing the state, indicated that this new round of reforms will focus on dismantling state structures that he considers obsolete and unjustified. "This year you already got to know the chainsaw, but now comes the deep chainsaw," he stated, emphasizing the need for a "smaller, more effective, and cheaper state." According to the president, the elimination of public agencies is a fundamental step towards the recovery of freedom and economic efficiency. In his speech, Milei boasted about having closed ten ministries and dismantled more than a hundred secretariats and undersecretariats, as well as having laid off 34,000 public employees. Claiming that "the smaller the state, the greater the freedom," he proposes that a minimalist approach to government will allow citizens to thrive without the restrictions imposed by state bureaucracies. However, this vision has raised concerns about the social implications of such measures. The president also highlighted his economic achievements, including the deceleration of inflation and a sustained fiscal surplus, thanking the population for their sacrifices in the face of the adjustments he has implemented. However, his failure to mention the rising rates of poverty and extreme poverty that have affected millions of Argentines since he took office raises questions about the sustainability of his approach. The lack of social plans to mitigate the impact of his policies has been a recurring point of criticism among analysts and opposition figures. Milei did not hold back in his speech and continued to attack what he calls the "political caste," as well as the media and social organizations. This belligerent tone has created a tense atmosphere, especially considering that the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) reported an alarming increase in attacks on the press during his administration, leading to questions about freedom of expression in the country. On the international stage, Milei has positioned himself as a reference for conservative policies, welcoming far-right leaders from various parts of the world at the Conservative Political Action Conference. His message that Argentina can become a "beacon for the West" resonates with a narrative that seeks to restore traditional values through drastic policies, although the viability of such proposals remains debated. As the 2025 elections approach, the implementation of the "deep chainsaw" looms as a central theme in Milei's presidential campaign. The promise to cut taxes and restructure the state could resonate with an electorate weary of the economic crisis, but it also raises serious questions about the future direction of the country and its ability to address structural problems. As the president moves forward with his agenda, Argentine society faces a dilemma: will Milei's measures be the lifeline the national economy needs, or will they, on the contrary, deepen inequalities and tensions? The answer to this question will depend not only on the implementation of his policies but also on the Argentine people's ability to organize and respond to a model that promises to be very different from the one they have known. Time will tell whether the "deep chainsaw" is truly the solution Argentina needs or whether, conversely, it will become a source of division in a country already facing significant challenges. The next phase of Milei's presidency will be closely watched, both by his fervent supporters and by those who oppose his radical vision of government. The history of his administration is being written, and every decision he makes will have a lasting impact on the country's future.