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).

    • olympicyes@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      He might be a lunatic but their economy has been tanked for a long time. They really didn’t have much to lose by giving him a shot. Businesses need to thrive in order to pay for the social safety net that Argentina wants so they need to get the balance right. Inflation was 300% in April and they say they expect it to be down to 122% by the end of the year. It’s a terrible situation they are in. Him being elected wasn’t because he gaslighted people into thinking an improving was bad so he can’t be directly compared to Trump or people like Nigel Farage.

      • michaelmrose@lemmy.world
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        3 months ago

        That isn’t how any of this works. My health has been bad for years I don’t have much to lose by putting live squirrels up my ass and setting my hair on fire! See how fucking stupid that sounds? When circumstances are especially bad there is more not less need for wise leadership.

        • olympicyes@lemmy.world
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          3 months ago

          It would sound stupid if you didn’t already have grease in your hair and biting cockroaches in your ass for the last 20 years. Who was the great option they could choose that was going to fix the situation?