BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Argentina’s new President, Javier Milei, known for his unorthodox style and libertarian views, made a spontaneous stop during his motorcade from Congress to the Casa Rosada government palace on Sunday to pet a lost golden retriever that seemed to have strayed from its owner.
Milei, an eccentric 53-year-old ultra-liberal economist, has at least four cloned mastiffs, including Murray, Milton, Robert, and Lucas, named after his economist idols. He gained notoriety during the presidential campaign for his radical economic ideas and theatrical rallies. Notably, he paid $50,000 to clone his original dog, Conan, whom he adopted in 2004.
The president’s affection for dogs has been a recurring theme in his public appearances, with his cloned dogs referred to as his “kids with four paws” and even as advisers. Milei’s stop to greet the golden retriever was a departure from protocol after being sworn in, during which he warned the nation about tough times ahead and hinted at shock therapy measures to address the struggling economy and triple-digit inflation.
