A post by Argentine President Javier Milei, which portrays Brazil as a slum and Argentina as a developed country, is having repercussions on social media among Brazilians. The image shared by the Argentine leader has, on the one hand, the support of some politicians linked to Bolsonarism, but on the other hand, it has become the target of criticism and memes that mock the Argentine economic crisis.
The message was published on Monday (15), a few hours after the election of the ultra-rightist José Antonio Kast as the new president of Chile and pits South American countries governed by left-wing leaders – such as Brazil –, represented by areas with crowded and unpaved houses, with countries ruled by right-wing governments, such as Argentina, characterized by tall buildings and futuristic decor.
In all caps, the post’s caption declares that the South American people are “crying for freedom” and ends with the phrase “Enough of the impoverishing socialism.”
Internet users reacted with posts and memes that mock Argentina’s economic situation, recalling that Brazil has a more robust economy than that of its neighbor: Brazil’s GDP is about three times higher than Argentina’s in nominal terms, according to World Bank data.
Images and montages have also circulated showing poor, favela-like areas of Argentina.
In addition to memes about the rivalry with the Argentines.
The election of Chile’s new president ushers in a new period of ideological balance in South America, with the right and center-right governing six of South America’s 12 countries.
The Argentine president, who was one of the first to recognize Kast’s victory, reposted other images showing the continent divided by countries painted red and blue, usually accompanied by the caption “The left retreats, freedom advances.”
On the one hand, there are Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Uruguay, Suriname and Venezuela, which are governed by the left, with the exception of French Guiana, which belongs to France, and which is presented as underdeveloped. On the other hand, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru, which have right-wing leaders and appear as developed regions in the illustrations.
Milei’s messages received support from Bolsonaro’s politicians.
Vinhedo City Councilor (SP), Malcon Mazzucatto, wrote that Milei “drawn what happens when you choose the free market and when you choose populism.”
Federal Deputy Rodrigo Valadares (União Brasil-CE) said, sharing the map, that Brazil is “deeply behind” and that “2026 must arrive soon.”
São Paulo City Councilor Rubinho Nunes (União Brasil) said of the performance that “a picture is worth more than a thousand words.” He considers the illustration realistic and tells #Hashtag that it “shows the future of any left-ruled country.” It highlights informality, increased poverty and dependence on the state as some of the problems contributing to the national reality.
PRESENT LINK: Did you like this text? Subscribers can access seven free accesses from any link per day. Just click on the blue F below.
About The Author
