Staunch libertarian Javier Milei has implemented a range of austerity measures since taking office. His government blamed previous administrations for the dire economic situation.

The poverty rate in Argentina reached 52.9% during the first six months of Javier Milei’s government, the national statistics agency reported on Thursday.

It marks the highest poverty rate since 2003, and a 11.2% increase compared to the second half of 2023.

The number of people living in extreme poverty grew by 3 million during the first half of 2024, according to the report.

The statistics agency calculates poverty by comparing household income with the cost of a basic basket of goods, which amounts to around $240 (€215).

  • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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    3 months ago

    Most economists don’t attribute economic performance to leadership until their own budgets and policies have been in effect for 6-12 months

    Most world leaders don’t dismantle their entire system with the sense and carefulness of a coked up toddler from day 1.

    Add a special animosity towards anything that provides stability and financial security to the country as a whole or any non-rich person and you get dramatic worsening of conditions REALLY fast no matter how bad it already was.

    • WhatAmLemmy@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      From the other commenters ap article, the economy he inherited was already run by coked up toddlers:

      Argentina is suffering 143% annual inflation, its currency has plunged and four in 10 Argentines are impoverished.

      What, in your opinion, should he have done differently? Should he have kept the pre-existing train wreck?

      • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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        3 months ago

        I don’t know enough about the SPECIFIC conditions to know what he SHOULD do, but I don’t have to in order to recognize that the solution to a dysfunctional government isn’t a sledge hammer or any other kind of wanton destruction.

        He ran for office dressed as his vigilante alter ego “Captain Ancap” wielding a symbolic chainsaw at the very concept of government while talking about how his top advisers are the clones of his dead dog and that’s exactly how he’s been governing as well.