Radical Liberalism as a Reflection of European Reform Blockades

Javier Milei's presidency in Argentina marks an extraordinary experiment in radical liberalism. His shock policies, ranging from the dismantling of ministries and cuts in subsidies to plans for dollarisation, have brought about economic stabilisation on the one hand, but considerable social hardship on the other. In contrast, the European Union has been struggling with structural reform blockages for years. Overregulation, the need for consensus and dependence on subsidies inhibit dynamism and competitiveness and regularly cause ambitious reform projects to stall. The aim of this paper is to use Milei's policies not as a model, but as a mirror for Europe. The analytical comparison reveals the structural weaknesses of European reform processes. Milei's approach illustrates that the pace of reform, political courage and clear rhetoric are key resources that are largely lacking in Europe. At the same time, the example shows that radical reforms without social cushioning carry high political and social risks. The central conclusion is that Europe does not need a Milei, but rather ‘Milei moments’ decisive, courageous reform impulses that break down blockages without jeopardising the stability of the political system. Radical liberalism does not function here as a blueprint, but as an analytical tool that reveals Europe's inability to reform and forces it to engage in self-critical reflection. Keywords: Javier Milei, radical liberalism, European Union, reform blockades, political rhetoric, reform policy