The terms “liberal” and “libertarian” are being highly debated in Argentina. Many followers of Javier Milei consider themselves libertarians, but claim the project of Juan Bautista Alberdi, whose writings inspired our Constitution.
Is there a coherent identification between these ideas or a contradiction? Libertarianism is an extreme form of liberalism. Classical liberalism defends a very broad freedom to trade, enter into contracts, undertake business, save and invest. It is not surprising, then, that classical liberals oppose too high taxes, excessive regulations, increased public spending and, in general, the disproportionate advance of the State in the economic and social sphere. The Argentine Constitution enshrines the principles of freedom and equality before the law, as enshrines in the Economic and Income System of the Argentine Confederation: “a work system in favor of all inhabitants’ freedom and property rights.” “The state regulations on wages and wages discourage job creation and everyone’s prospects for progress,” the Constitution of 1853 says.