Argentina’s President Javier Milei is discovering that slashing social programs and antagonizing journalists isn’t exactly winning him popularity contests.
With the economy shrinking by 3.5% in 2024 and non-agricultural sectors taking an even bigger hit of over 5%, his tough-love approach isn’t exactly working miracles.
The self-proclaimed libertarian’s hostility toward the press isn’t helping his case either. Since taking office, he’s verbally attacked at least 45 journalists – because apparently, that’s how you handle criticism in the Milei playbook.
His administration’s new protocol criminalizing traffic disturbances during protests has raised eyebrows, and not in a good way.
Meanwhile, poverty rates keep climbing, and Milei’s response? More budget cuts to social programs. Real smooth.
His minority position in Congress isn’t making things any easier, especially when he’s trying to push through controversial bills that get met with police force when citizens dare to protest. With 300 federal judgeships still vacant, the judicial system continues to face significant challenges.
Recent developments show some promise, as lithium mining investments from Rio Tinto signal growing international confidence in Argentina’s economic potential.
On the international stage, Milei’s been cozying up to Donald Trump while giving the cold shoulder to global initiatives.
He’s managed to be the only country to reject the G20’s declaration on gender equality – quite an achievement. At least he’s patched things up with China enough to renew their currency swap.
The human rights situation isn’t looking too rosy either. Security agents now have broader authority to use firearms, and there’s been an unsettling rise in anti-LGBT rhetoric coinciding with violent incidents.
Adding to the controversy, ruling party members have been making visits to detainees convicted of crimes against humanity.
The inflation rate might have stabilized, but it’s still high enough to make anyone’s wallet weep.
While Milei negotiates with the IMF for debt restructuring, his rejection of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development suggests he’s more interested in short-term fixes than long-term solutions.
For a president who promised to fix Argentina’s problems, he seems to be collecting them instead.
