Javier Milei has demonstrated that it is possible to win electoral majorities for radical libertarian policies in economically advanced countries. This is undoubtedly a significant achievement. After his election, he immediately set about dismantling the state and, in many respects, he has pursued this policy more resolutely, more extensively and more successfully than any of his Argentine predecessors.
Nevertheless, we consider the awarding of this prize to him to be unjustified. In our view, a ‘Memorial Prize in honour of Ludwig von Mises’ could be awarded to scientists or politicians who have rendered outstanding services to the development, dissemination or application of Mises’ ideas. It is obvious that Javier Milei is not a scientist, but a politician. It is true that he has made the names of Ludwig von Mises, Murray Rothbard and other thinkers of the Austrian School known to a wider public. But his knowledge of their ideas and theories is superficial and flawed, and his praise is therefore double-edged. In any case, we can only advise the public not to regard Milei’s statements on economic philosophy as authoritative.
Posted by nwa40