Argentine President Javier Milei attacked his political and economic detractors as 'trash' and 'immoral' during the AmCham Summit in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Speaking before business leaders and political elites, Milei defended his economic strategy despite recent data showing March inflation rose to 3.4%.
According to latercera.com, the president used the forum to confront the so-called 'red circle'—the nation's influential political, business, and media elite. The speech came as the annual inflation rate reached 9.4% for the first part of 2026, nearing the government's own 10.1% annual projection.
Milei addressed the inflation spike directly, stating, 'As I am Milei and I detest the way traditional politics does things, and as I hate inflation, and as the data did not please me and repulses me, I am going to talk about inflation.'
Economic continuity despite pressure
The president attributed the price increases to seasonal factors, including the start of the school year and rising meat prices. He also blamed political instability, claiming that recent opposition efforts were 'not free' and constituted an 'attempt to generate a coup d'état.'
He dismissed critics of his austerity measures as 'econochantas,' a term used to mock those he believes are ideologically opposed to his reforms. Milei rejected any calls to modify his fiscal policy, calling the idea of accepting higher inflation 'a path to hell.'
'They are proposing that we commit suicide, and we are not going to do it,' Milei said. He added that anyone proposing a change in direction is 'immoral and trashy people.'
Regarding his signature budget cuts, the president reaffirmed his commitment to the 'chainsaw' approach. 'We must maintain fiscal balance, continue with the chainsaw. The chainsaw does not stop. I have given the express order that the chainsaw does not stop,' he emphasized.
Despite the inflationary pressure, Milei claimed to see signs of economic recovery. He noted that money demand is growing and that economic activity has begun to rebound, citing positive trends in consumption, exports, and GDP.
Latercera.com reported that the president left the summit without taking questions from the press. He concluded his remarks by stating that his administration did not come to hold power indefinitely, but to 'write the best page in Argentine history.'
