Argentine President Javier Milei declared on January 22 that "the world has begun to awaken" to free-market ideals, using his third consecutive speech at the World Economic Forum to champion capitalism whilst claiming the Americas would become "the beacon of light" for Western civilisation.

Speaking at the annual gathering in the Swiss Alps, Milei asserted that "free trade capitalism is the only fair system" and predicted a brighter future contingent upon Western nations returning to what he termed their foundational principles.

"We have a better future ahead of us, but that better future exists if we return to the roots of the West, that is, returning to the ideas of freedom," Milei said, according to EFE.

The self-styled “anarcho-libertarian” leader cited recent electoral victories by conservative and right-wing candidates across Latin America, including in Chile, Bolivia and Honduras, as evidence of shifting political sentiment towards his economic philosophy.

"America will be the beacon of light that will reignite the entire West and thereby repay its civilisational debt," he stated, referencing what he described as the region's debt to Greek philosophy, Roman law and Judeo-Christian values. He also lashed out at what he termed “socialist policies” still adopted by some Western countries, which have “caused disasters and suffering.”

Milei's 2026 address adopted a notably more restrained tone compared to his controversial appearances in 2024 and 2025, focusing primarily on theoretical arguments favouring unregulated capitalism over social commentary that previously sparked international criticism.

The president devoted substantial portions of his speech to defending artificial intelligence against regulatory oversight, arguing that AI would deliver "greater growth and well-being" and insisting that "politicians must stop interfering with those who are making the world a better place."

"All fears associated with dystopian scenarios are nonsense," Milei said regarding concerns about AI development.

He highlighted domestic policy achievements, particularly praising deregulation efforts and what he characterised as welfare reform aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship among vulnerable populations rather than providing direct assistance.

Milei concluded his remarks by stating: "Machiavelli is dead and it's time to bury him. Long live liberty, damn it!" - a catchy phrase that has become his signature rallying cry.

The fiery speech followed a long and controversial address by US President Donald Trump at the same forum.