A Negative Radical Right Populism: The (Absence of a) Shared Identity Among Milei's Supporters

Abstract

This work analyzes Javier Milei’s radical right populism from the perspective of his supporters. Through focus groups, we explore the extent to which there is consensus among those who voted for him in the 2023 primaries regarding his antiestablishment discourse, libertarian economic proposals, and conservative positions on moral issues. We find two points of consensus across all the groups: the charismatic appeal of Milei and a widespread rejection of the political establishment. However, there are notable disagreements on issues like the role of the state in the economy and the legalization of abortion. The majority of participants, referred to as “the rejecters,” neither understand nor support Milei’s views, while a minority, labeled “the fans,” actively defend his ideas. In conclusion, we find that there is no unified identity among Milei’s voters, apart from their common rejection of the establishment that led them to support a political outsider.