Sat Dec 07 15:22:49 UTC 2024: ## Argentina’s Poverty Soars Under Milei’s Presidency
**Buenos Aires, Argentina** – A year into President Javier Milei’s term, Argentina is grappling with a staggering surge in poverty, reaching a 30-year high of nearly 53 percent. This dramatic increase has sparked widespread criticism of Milei’s “chainsaw” approach to economic reform, which has prioritized slashing public spending.
The crisis is vividly illustrated by the experiences of families like Marianela Abasto and her daughter Alma, who lost their home due to soaring rental costs after rent control was eliminated. Abasto blames the government’s policies, citing the loss of subsidies and the inability to afford rising living expenses. Her situation is far from unique; the Argentine Catholic University (UCA) reports that even employed individuals with higher education have fallen below the poverty line.
Experts attribute the crisis to several factors, including a drastic devaluation of the Argentinian peso, a key component of Milei’s “shock” economic plan. While the government points to a balanced budget and decreased inflation as successes, critics argue that these short-term gains mask a deeper economic malaise. Reduced economic activity, increased unemployment, and skyrocketing utility costs – with gas prices increasing by 715 percent in ten months – have exacerbated the situation.
The impact on vulnerable populations is profound. Soup kitchens are overwhelmed, struggling to meet the surging demand. Organizations like the Union of Informal Economy Workers (UTEP), representing a significant portion of the workforce, report a 66 percent poverty rate among their members and have clashed with the government over dwindling food supplies and accusations of corruption. Community-led initiatives are also facing funding cuts and alleged government harassment.
Despite the soaring poverty rate, President Milei maintains a relatively high approval rating of around 47 percent, according to a recent Bloomberg News survey. However, critics like UCA researcher Eduardo Donza warn that the government’s focus on short-term macroeconomic fixes ignores the need for long-term policies to support Argentina’s industry and its most vulnerable citizens. The government’s suggestion of providing individual aid rather than supporting community programs is deemed impractical given the scale of the problem. The crisis highlights a growing divide between the government’s economic policies and the stark realities faced by millions of Argentinians.
First Piper 