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).

  • WhatAmLemmy@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    Yeah. Even though I think right wing libertarian economics is naive, and guaranteed to fail, blaming this guy for the economy in his first 6 months is likely propaganda. Most economists don’t attribute economic performance to leadership until their own budgets and policies have been in effect for 6-12 months, which often isn’t until the 2nd half of their term. Obviously radical changes can have an immediate impact, but they tend to be rare.

    Edit: A linked article states a radical inflationary policy, but provides no references or sources. Journalism fail!

    Immediately after taking office, Milei devalued the national currency, the peso, by more than 50% against the US dollar.

    • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.world
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      2 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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        2 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?

    • apfelwoiSchoppen@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      I mean he made about 300 changes to the government in his first few days so his anarcho capitalist ideology might be the exception to your point.

      I mean you don’t have to look far to find credible sources showing what his own adminstration admitted to doing.