At Palazzo Wedekind, in the heart of Rome, the 2024 Milton Friedman International Prize was awarded to Argentine President Javier Milei (pictured left), an emblematic figure in the fight for economic and political freedom on a global scale. Milei, currently enjoying extraordinarily high levels of political approval, is considered one of the most influential figures worldwide. The event, organised by the Milton Friedman Institute in collaboration with Students for Liberty Italy and the newspaper Il Tempo, was attended by prominent figures from the political, academic, and journalistic spheres.
Alessandro Bertoldi (pictured). Executive Director of the Milton Friedman Institute, delivered the award’s citation, describing Milei as a global symbol of economic and political freedom. Bertoldi stated, “Today we celebrate not just a man, but an ideal of freedom and courage that has shaped the history of our time. We wanted to honour the most libertarian president ever with the most prestigious award of our institute, which embodies the principles of defending liberty. This is thanks to his courage in challenging the status quo and state interventionism. In Argentina, Milei has become a beacon for the entire world. He has shown how Milton Friedman’s ideas remain relevant. His passion and charisma are an inspiration to us all.”
Senator Michaela Biancofiore opened the event with institutional greetings, highlighting how Milei’s “visionary madness” characterizes all great geniuses who achieve remarkable results. This was followed by remarks from Mario Alejandro Borghese, Senator of the Italian Republic representing Italians residing in South America, who praised Milei’s role as a cornerstone for fostering strong relations between Italy and Argentina. Professor Dario Peirone, Director General of the Milton Friedman Institute, then analyzed Milton Friedman’s contributions and their impact on global economic policies.
Gabriele Marmonti and Manuel Ferretti Martinez, representatives of Students for Liberty Italy, emphasised the importance of involving younger generations in defending the principles of economic and political freedom, highlighting the historic connection between Milei and their organisation.
The event was moderated by Il Tempo’s editor-in-chief, Tommaso Cerno, who introduced the speakers, guided the debate, and amplified the value of their contributions.
In his speech, a lectio magistralis on economics, President Milei paid homage to Milton Friedman’s ideas, calling them a foundational inspiration for his work in Argentina. “Milton Friedman played a fundamental role in guiding the world back to the ideas of freedom. In the 1970s, thanks to his studies, it became possible to dismantle the Keynesian framework and restore the centrality of the free market. In Argentina, we are proving that his ideas are more relevant than ever by reducing the fiscal deficit and bringing inflation under control.”
Milei reiterated the achievements of his first year in office and his commitment to transforming Argentina into a global model of economic and political freedom: “Freedom is not just an economic choice but a moral imperative. By following Friedman’s ideas, we will make Argentina a beacon for the entire world.” He concluded with his legendary rallying cry: “Viva la libertad, carajo!”
The ceremony ended with a standing ovation for President Milei, who expressed his gratitude to the Milton Friedman Institute, Students for Liberty Italy, and Il Tempo for organising the event. He also emphasised the need to continue defending the ideals of freedom to build a better future.
This internationally significant event garnered extensive attention in both Italy and Argentina, where it was followed with great media interest.
