Wielding chainsaw and huge dollar bill, Argentine radical taps into voter fury

Argentine presidential candidate Javier Milei for La Libertad Avanza coalition gestures next to Carolina Piparo, candidate for Governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, during a campaign rally in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 12, 2023. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File photo

LA PLATA, Argentina (Reuters) - Wielding a chainsaw above his head in the Argentine city of La Plata this week, radical presidential front-runner Javier Milei riled up thousands of supporters angry with 124% inflation and a painful cost-of-living crisis.

The economist and TV pundit only got into politics two years ago but he has already shaken up the South American nation's political landscape, coming first in an open primary in August. With momentum behind him, he is seen as the candidate to beat in October's election.