Argentina has decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a spokesperson for President Milei, as reported by Reuters. This move aligns with the United States’ decision under President Trump to exit the WHO on his inauguration day.
President Milei, an ally of Trump, had previously contemplated withdrawing from international organizations. Besides the WHO, he aims to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, which seeks to limit temperature rises to below 2 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Milei plans to leave Mercosur, the economic partnership including Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, after the bloc opposed Argentina’s proposal to establish a free trade zone with the U.S., altering relations, especially with key partner Brazil. The departure from international bodies could significantly impact Argentina’s foreign trade and politics, potentially straining ties with European partners.
The Argentine administration agrees with Trump’s view that such organizations have failed to meet their objectives, criticizing the WHO’s pandemic response with prolonged lockdowns. Despite WHO’s crucial role in global health, President Milei’s economic reforms since taking office over a year ago have not revived the economy, leading to decreased consumption due to lost purchasing power and increased poverty, sparking significant protests.
Last weekend saw large demonstrations against the government’s gender policies following Milei’s abolition of the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity and the closure of the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Racism. At last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Milei identified himself as a libertarian opposing “wokeism,” feminism, and other progressive ideals.
Source: NOS