Does Argentine president Javier Milei speak with dead dogs? His office lashes out at speculation

Javier Milei became Argentina's president at a time when thecountry 3 suffering a severe economic crisis. President Milei, 53, has been in office for more than 100 days and achieved some success in fixing the economy. A recent report by Markets Insider on Friday (Apr 26) said that Milei still hasn't dollarized the economy aspromised,but has strengthened the Peso which has now becomethe top currency against the dollar.

Milei's economic reformsare expectedto bring positive changebutthe president is now making headlines over his mental health. In the run-up tothe electionsand after the elections, reports suggested that Milei communicates spiritually to dead dogs to seek political advice.

'Absolutely disrespectful'

On Thursday (April 25), Presidential Office spokespersonManuel Adorniwas askedaboutMilei's English Mastiff, Conan,saidto have died seven years ago.At a press conference,Adorni was asked if Milei has four dogs -- but sees five -- andifso,whether he can be said to have a firm grip on reality.

Adorni lashed out at the speculation, saying, "It is disrespectful to describe the president asa personwho speaks to things that do not exist. It seems to me to be absolutely disrespectful...it is to mess with his family."

The spokesperson's response came days after he answereda similar questionby stating: "I don't see what the difference is whether it be four or five dogs or 43 rabbits."

Who is Conan?

Conan was an English Mastiffandhewas adoptedby Milei in 2004. Milei, who has never married and is childless, referred to the dog as his confidant. In 2017, Conan died due to cancer. A year after his death, Milei cloned Conan.

A report by the news agency AFP on Friday said thatMileisent Conan's cells toUS-based firm PerPETuate, which states on its website that five pups were the result of a cloning process, though only four appearon a photo that accompanies the post.

The four dogs were namedMilton, Murray, Robert, and Lucas.

After his election victory in August last year, the 53-year-oldthanked Conan,Milton, Murray, Robert, and Lucas for his win. Only these fourmastiffshave ever been seen in photos withMilei.

According to journalist Juan Luis Gonzalez, author of the unauthorisedMileibiography "The Madman," the now-Argentine presidentconsults all his dogs -- dead and alive -- with the help of a medium specialized in "interspecies communication."

The medium, Celia Melamed, recently told TN television she had helpedMilei"overcome the grief over his dog."

PoliticianRafael Bielsa, whopreviously worked with Milei in the private sector, told local media thatMileihad spoken to him about receiving "divine" messages via Conan.

(With inputs from agencies)