Argentina's poverty rate rises to 32 percent under Milei, with more pain forecast
A 4.1-percentage-point increase in the first half of 2026 could complicate Milei's re-election bid.
Argentina's poverty rate has risen to 32 percent under President Javier Milei, a 4.1-percentage-point increase recorded in the first half of 2026, according to newly reported figures.
The rise marks a reversal after a period in which Argentina's poverty rate had been declining from a historic peak of 52.9 percent reached in early 2024, also under Milei's presidency. The renewed increase could complicate Milei's bid for re-election, given that living standards and poverty levels remain central concerns for Argentine voters.
Inflation cited as a driver
The uptick has been linked to a resurgence of inflation earlier in the year, in a country where the methodology used to calculate the poverty index remains a subject of ongoing debate among economists and officials. Milei's government has pursued aggressive austerity and deregulation measures since taking office, policies that initially coincided with a sharp rise in poverty before a subsequent decline.
The latest figures suggest that progress on reducing poverty has stalled, adding pressure on the government to demonstrate that its broader economic program can deliver sustained improvements in living standards. Further declines or increases in the poverty rate over the remainder of 2026 are expected to remain closely watched as a political and economic indicator.
Sources
- Argentina’s poverty rises to 32 percent under Milei with more pain forecast — Al Jazeera — All
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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