Argentinian president's UN speech sparks plagiarism scandal

In Argentina, the aftermath of President Javier Milei's recent speech at the UN summit continues to resonate. However, it turns out that the stir is not due to his delivery style but to the content, which has been accused of plagiarism. According to local media, some parts are purportedly copied from the TV series "The West Wing."

For several days, much of Argentina has been discussing President Javier Milei and his speech during the recent UN summit. It immediately ignited a lot of reactions, which have now intensified further. This is due to media reports suggesting that the Argentine President's speech was plagiarised.

We believe in the defence of life for everyone. We believe in the defence of property for everyone. We believe in freedom of speech for everyone. We believe in freedom of religion for everyone. We believe in free trade for everyone... And because these days what happens in one country quickly affects other countries, we believe that all people should live free from tyranny and oppression, whether in the form of political oppression, economic slavery, or religious fanaticism. This basic idea cannot just be words — it must be supported by actions: diplomatically, economically, and materially — Javier Milei said on 24 September.

Although the speech fully aligned with what the president routinely advocates, many people found it eerily familiar. The repercussions were swift. Journalists and internet users soon pointed out that it is nearly an identical copy of a fictional speech by U.S. President Jed Bartlet from the series "The West Wing."

We are for freedom of speech everywhere. We are for freedom of religion everywhere. We are for the freedom to learn... for everyone. And because in our times you can build a bomb in your own country and bring it to my country, what happens in your country is also my business. And that is why we are for freedom from tyranny, everywhere, whether in the form of political oppression... or economic slavery... or religious fanaticism... This most basic idea cannot be achieved solely with our symbolic support. It must be achieved with our strength: diplomatically, economically, materially — this was aired in the series 21 years ago.

The issue has significantly impacted the Argentine media, with many disagreeing with the president and directly asking, "didn't anyone else notice this?" It later emerged that the inclusion of this type of quote was due to a strategist advising the president, who was a fervent fan of the series and its writer.