The government of Argentina, under the leadership of Javier Milei, has announced its intention to exit the World Health Organization (WHO). A spokesperson for President Milei cited significant disagreements, particularly in the handling of health matters amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, as the driving force behind this decision.
This move comes shortly after US President Donald Trump initiated the process of withdrawing the United States from the international health body through an executive order. Both leaders have publicly praised each other, with Milei hailing Trump’s re-election as a remarkable political comeback, while Trump referred to his Argentine counterpart as his preferred president.
President Milei’s decision to withdraw Argentina from the WHO echoes similar concerns raised by the US, including dissatisfaction with the response to the pandemic and apprehensions about Chinese influence within the organization.
While the financial implications of the US withdrawal are significant given its substantial contribution to the WHO budget, Argentina’s relatively modest annual contribution is unlikely to have a substantial impact. However, the broader concern is whether other leaders who align with President Trump’s perspective, as Milei evidently does, may follow suit.
Speculation in Argentine media suggests that President Milei is expected to sign an executive order in the near future to initiate Argentina’s withdrawal from the WHO. In a press conference, a presidential spokesperson emphasized the country’s commitment to sovereignty and autonomy, stating that departing from the WHO would afford Argentina more flexibility to pursue tailored policies and manage resources independently.
President Milei, self-identifying as an “anarcho-capitalist,” has been critical of the WHO for some time, and the notion of leaving the organization gained momentum following Trump’s executive order. The relationship between the two leaders appears to be characterized by mutual admiration, with Milei being the first foreign leader to meet President Trump post his re-election.
When asked about potential exits from other international agreements, the presidential spokesperson hinted at a comprehensive approach to safeguard Argentina’s freedoms from external interference. Environmental activists in Argentina express concerns that Milei may align with Trump’s actions on international agreements.
The decision has been made to initiate the process of pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, a pivotal international treaty designed to combat climate change by curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
