Politics Thread: President Javier Milei - From Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) to Today

[Uncle Wong]

Indeed Mike, it is extremely complicated. It took decades of bad government to create this mess and won't get solved overnight. Milei has been in office barely a year and has accomplished an extraordinary amount, without even a party.

I am deeply sympathetic to the frustrations of locals trying to survive right now, but in fairness, anyone arguing to get rid of Milei must ask themselves: what next? Because most of the crooks and imbeciles that have brought Argentina to its knees, begging for more IMF money, they are still in positions of power. The likely outcome is that one of them becomes the next President and trust in Argentina vanishes. It is unfortunately going take a lot of patience and sacrifice to reform the economy and dismantle the kleptocracy that it has become. There is a lot of low-hanging fruit though, and the faster Milei can get some of it done, the better off everyone will be.

The great thing is it seems obvious that 50% of the population even though they are suffering recognize that it wasn't Milei that put them in this situation and seems like they are giving him time to try to solve it. If they didn't think it was working his popularity wouldn't be where it is. That is a big positive.

I have no doubt it feels like damage to many locals, but Milei was clear from the beginning that it would get worse before it gets better. There is no path to recovery for Argentina that doesn't involve sacrifice. "Not the best" is perhaps the most charitable way to describe your politicians over the past 30 years. If you look up the definition of "kleptocracy", Argentina is a poster child.

@Larry I know a lot of people that think exactly like you do. I met a lot of friends down there and many feel frustrated because costs have gone up so much. Many have to move and find an apartment with lower condo fees. Many are now living with 2 or 3 other roommates and sharing a room. I happen to be a Milei fan and think something had to change. It couldn't go on like it was. It wasn't working and I believe most people even though it hurts want to try for change.

I think most reasonable people even if it hurts and painful they are sacrificing. Seeing all these polling for the upcoming elections sounds like Peronism is dying although I can't figure out where all these poor are placing their votes. I wonder how accurate these polls are.

 

[Larry]

I have no doubt it feels like damage to many locals, but Milei was clear from the beginning that it would get worse before it gets better. There is no path to recovery for Argentina that doesn't involve sacrifice. "Not the best" is perhaps the most charitable way to describe your politicians over the past 30 years. If you look up the definition of "kleptocracy", Argentina is a poster child.

I hope you are right CraigM. You're right that he at least said it would be painful. He did not lie about that! My problem is I have so many friends that are suffering. I don't believe these statistics or polling. The majority of people I talk to talk about how horrible he is doing and how they are suffering. All my friends tell me that they were living better on half of what they are making now before. Even if they are getting raises it is not making up for cost of living expense increases.

I admit that Cristina lied with inflation numbers and other statistics. But I think that Milei is doing the same thing now with inflation numbers, polling, poverty, salary increases. I guess time will tell.

Some of my friends tell me that I am rooting for him to fail. That is not true. I hope he succeeds. I just don't see any evidence of it like all the press says. My medical premiums continue to go up. I am almost at the point of leaving Argentina now and moving to another more affordable country in Latin America. The cost of living is much lower all over Latin America now.

 

[CraigM]

My medical premiums continue to go up. I am almost at the point of leaving Argentina now and moving to another more affordable country in Latin America. The cost of living is much lower all over Latin America now.

That is unfortunate Larry and I'm sorry to hear it. Hope you're able stick it out in Argentina but if not, at least you have options. Everyone I know that spent real time in Brazil said it is wonderful. Same with Cape Town.

 

[Wally]

I hope you are right CraigM. You're right that he at least said it would be painful. He did not lie about that! My problem is I have so many friends that are suffering. I don't believe these statistics or polling. The majority of people I talk to talk about how horrible he is doing and how they are suffering. All my friends tell me that they were living better on half of what they are making now before. Even if they are getting raises it is not making up for cost of living expense increases.

I admit that Cristina lied with inflation numbers and other statistics. But I think that Milei is doing the same thing now with inflation numbers, polling, poverty, salary increases. I guess time will tell.

Some of my friends tell me that I am rooting for him to fail. That is not true. I hope he succeeds. I just don't see any evidence of it like all the press says. My medical premiums continue to go up. I am almost at the point of leaving Argentina now and moving to another more affordable country in Latin America. The cost of living is much lower all over Latin America now.

It is great to hear you aren't rooting for him to fail. I have many friends that disapprove of Milei and it almost seems like they want him to fail and want the country to go back into the abyss. I can't tell if they are serious or not. So many people have their savings in dollars and the past few months have been painful for them. For me too. All my savings is in dollars but I know I have it better than most and know eventually the country will find it's footing.

The blue dollar jumped up 3.5% today. The Central Bank sold $179 million bucks today. Wonder how we will close out the year.

 

[Avocado]

I hope you are right CraigM. You're right that he at least said it would be painful. He did not lie about that! My problem is I have so many friends that are suffering. I don't believe these statistics or polling. The majority of people I talk to talk about how horrible he is doing and how they are suffering. All my friends tell me that they were living better on half of what they are making now before. Even if they are getting raises it is not making up for cost of living expense increases.

I admit that Cristina lied with inflation numbers and other statistics. But I think that Milei is doing the same thing now with inflation numbers, polling, poverty, salary increases. I guess time will tell.

Some of my friends tell me that I am rooting for him to fail. That is not true. I hope he succeeds. I just don't see any evidence of it like all the press says. My medical premiums continue to go up. I am almost at the point of leaving Argentina now and moving to another more affordable country in Latin America. The cost of living is much lower all over Latin America now.

I do not think that enough is said about how these numbers coming out from the government probably are not true. Cristina got caught laying about numbers. I agree with you Larry that these salary increases are not correct. I also do not know anyone that is making enough in raises that is more than inflation. We are also on the verge of cancelling our policy. Argentina is home for me so I do not have an option to leave. Many are in the same situation as me. This is home and no other option. I could go to Spain where I also have a passport but am not leaving my home.

That is unfortunate Larry and I'm sorry to hear it. Hope you're able stick it out in Argentina but if not, at least you have options. Everyone I know that spent real time in Brazil said it is wonderful. Same with Cape Town.

Brazil is very nice but the problem for us is even if we can legally work there because of our Mercosur status most of us do not speak Portuguese. Also, Brazil has a lot of problems now.

It is great to hear you aren't rooting for him to fail. I have many friends that disapprove of Milei and it almost seems like they want him to fail and want the country to go back into the abyss. I can't tell if they are serious or not. So many people have their savings in dollars and the past few months have been painful for them. For me too. All my savings is in dollars but I know I have it better than most and know eventually the country will find it's footing.

The blue dollar jumped up 3.5% today. The Central Bank sold $179 million bucks today. Wonder how we will close out the year.

I do not think anyone want Milei fail. We just want to see true change. For many people even if article say Argentina is improving it means nothing to us because we can't see it. All the months we pay more for everything. All bills go up and life harder to live.

 

[Flamingo]

That is unfortunate Larry and I'm sorry to hear it. Hope you're able stick it out in Argentina but if not, at least you have options. Everyone I know that spent real time in Brazil said it is wonderful. Same with Cape Town.

I don't have much sympathy for expats that are able to move around and have options. Craig nailed it! Those that came here for the cheap steaks and cheapo life have left or on their way out like Larry. I think those that end up staying have a life here, family, jobs or loved ones. There is no other alternative for us no matter how expensive it gets.

 

[earlyretirement]

Love him or hate him, President Milei knows how to get Press and the international community loves him.

Newsmakers of the Year

President Javier Milei - International Newsmaker of the Year

President Donald Trump - US Newsmaker of the Year

Elon Musk - Innovation Newsmaker of the Year

Caitlin Clark - Sportsmaker of the Year

2024 Newsmakers of the Year: Epoch Times Readers’ Choice

From politics and innovation to sports and global leadership, these individuals were chosen by The Epoch Times’ readers as the most influential figures of 2024.

www.theepochtimes.com

 

[Uncle Wong]

Good article about Milei.

The results of Milei’s bold economic plan - Buenos Aires Herald

Argentina is entering 2025 with good indicators, including low country risk, a stable currency market, and rising activity. The challenge? Competitiveness

buenosairesherald.com

 

[daveholman]

Good article about Milei.

The results of Milei’s bold economic plan - Buenos Aires Herald

Argentina is entering 2025 with good indicators, including low country risk, a stable currency market, and rising activity. The challenge? Competitiveness

buenosairesherald.com

And the answer to competitiveness is to let the ARS float and find it's real value. But that risks another round of inflation. So many moving parts. That's why they call Economics "the dismal science".
I truly hope Milei can pull it off.

 

[Uncle Wong]

And the answer to competitiveness is to let the ARS float and find it's real value. But that risks another round of inflation. So many moving parts. That's why they call Economics "the dismal science".
I truly hope Milei can pull it off.

Yeah it sounds like if they don't let the peso float freely it is only delaying the inevitable devaluation. Tricky business economics!

 

[Larry]

That is unfortunate Larry and I'm sorry to hear it. Hope you're able stick it out in Argentina but if not, at least you have options. Everyone I know that spent real time in Brazil said it is wonderful. Same with Cape Town.

Thank you @CraigM. Indeed things are difficult with the high cost of living. I am still waiting to see when it will benefit the typical person on the street. The rich are getting richer in Argentina and the poor are still paying the price with inflated prices on everything. Read this today and it was very accurate.

Figures show that the economic recovery has not translated into better living conditions for many, with the country’s poverty rate jumping to 53% in the first half of 2024, an 11-point increase. Experts caution that Milei’s charisma isn’t enough. He will soon need to deliver broad and substantial growth that improves Argentinians’ living conditions if he wants to succeed in the 2025 mid-term elections.

Milei Ends Argentina’s Deficit After 123 Years

Milei Ends Argentina’s Deficit After 123 Years | Global Finance Magazine

gfmag.com

 

[Avocado]

Thank you @CraigM. Indeed things are difficult with the high cost of living. I am still waiting to see when it will benefit the typical person on the street. The rich are getting richer in Argentina and the poor are still paying the price with inflated prices on everything. Read this today and it was very accurate.

Figures show that the economic recovery has not translated into better living conditions for many, with the country’s poverty rate jumping to 53% in the first half of 2024, an 11-point increase. Experts caution that Milei’s charisma isn’t enough. He will soon need to deliver broad and substantial growth that improves Argentinians’ living conditions if he wants to succeed in the 2025 mid-term elections.

Milei Ends Argentina’s Deficit After 123 Years

Milei Ends Argentina’s Deficit After 123 Years | Global Finance Magazine

gfmag.com

Indeed everyone that I know that is middle class is suffering. Not to mention the poor that are paying very expensive prices on everything from transportation, fuel, utilities and many medications that were covered before are not now. Cost of living has gone up to extreme levels.

Argentines might be earning more dollars but they are buying less than before. Look at University of Buenos Aires' (UBA) School of Economics showed that the actual minimum wage fell by 30% in one year when measured from its purchasing power.

Bitter year's ending for Argentines earning more dollars to buy less

Last year might have meant a battle won against inflation by the Libertarian administration of President Javier Milei. Still, it also represented a significant wage loss for most Argentines if not the disappearance of their livelihoods altogether as it happened to temporary State workers whose...

en.mercopress.com

 

[Johnny]

And the answer to competitiveness is to let the ARS float and find it's real value. But that risks another round of inflation. So many moving parts. That's why they call Economics "the dismal science".
I truly hope Milei can pull it off.

Seems very tricky. I get why the government is keeping the ARS strong to contain inflation but it is never a good idea to try to manipulate your exchange rate. Argentina won't be competitive if the prices are too high. Add into the mix the complexity of the mid-term elections coming this year in October and the government has to worry about that too. I wonder if the IMF will keep letting them play around with exchange rate. I would think they will need to keep lowering interest rates and the peso will get weaker once it is floating free but it could be a while before that happens. I would have to believe inflation will go back up if there is a devaluation.

Indeed everyone that I know that is middle class is suffering. Not to mention the poor that are paying very expensive prices on everything from transportation, fuel, utilities and many medications that were covered before are not now. Cost of living has gone up to extreme levels.

Argentines might be earning more dollars but they are buying less than before. Look at University of Buenos Aires' (UBA) School of Economics showed that the actual minimum wage fell by 30% in one year when measured from its purchasing power.

Bitter year's ending for Argentines earning more dollars to buy less

Last year might have meant a battle won against inflation by the Libertarian administration of President Javier Milei. Still, it also represented a significant wage loss for most Argentines if not the disappearance of their livelihoods altogether as it happened to temporary State workers whose...

en.mercopress.com

Wow! Is the minimum wage still only $286 dollars per month? I thought salaries have gone up a lot. Does anyone only make minimum wage? Only $1.40 per hour?

 

[Vince]

And the answer to competitiveness is to let the ARS float and find it's real value. But that risks another round of inflation. So many moving parts. That's why they call Economics "the dismal science".
I truly hope Milei can pull it off.

Everyone is hoping he can pull it off. Even those who do not like him. I believe they are hoping for a turn around in their country.

Seems very tricky. I get why the government is keeping the ARS strong to contain inflation but it is never a good idea to try to manipulate your exchange rate. Argentina won't be competitive if the prices are too high. Add into the mix the complexity of the mid-term elections coming this year in October and the government has to worry about that too. I wonder if the IMF will keep letting them play around with exchange rate. I would think they will need to keep lowering interest rates and the peso will get weaker once it is floating free but it could be a while before that happens. I would have to believe inflation will go back up if there is a devaluation.


Wow! Is the minimum wage still only $286 dollars per month? I thought salaries have gone up a lot. Does anyone only make minimum wage? Only $1.40 per hour?

I don't know anyone that is making only minimum wage. Everyone's salary has gone up.

 

[import export]

Everyone is hoping he can pull it off. Even those who do not like him. I believe they are hoping for a turn around in their country.


I don't know anyone that is making only minimum wage. Everyone's salary has gone up.

Most people are making far more than that in Argentina. If you talk to people working in restaurants, shopping mall, office workers they are all making much more however there are a lot of people underemployed or flat out unemployed. There was a huge round of layoffs in the government sector. The government didn't renew many contracts.

My girlfriend in BA has a few family members that lost jobs a few months ago and still have yet to find a replacement. And there are tens of thousands more that lost jobs and I am not sure where in the private sector they are going to find jobs as I am not sure if there are many companies hiring. Even maids are making more than minimum wage. My girlfriend pays hers about $500 dollars per month. That is the amount she takes home.

 

[Uncle Wong]

Most people are making far more than that in Argentina. If you talk to people working in restaurants, shopping mall, office workers they are all making much more however there are a lot of people underemployed or flat out unemployed. There was a huge round of layoffs in the government sector. The government didn't renew many contracts.

My girlfriend in BA has a few family members that lost jobs a few months ago and still have yet to find a replacement. And there are tens of thousands more that lost jobs and I am not sure where in the private sector they are going to find jobs as I am not sure if there are many companies hiring. Even maids are making more than minimum wage. My girlfriend pays hers about $500 dollars per month. That is the amount she takes home.

So who is only making these small $250 a month wages? What types of jobs?

 

[Avocado]

So who is only making these small $250 a month wages? What types of jobs?

You would be surprised. Argentina has a lot of low wage jobs. There are people working in stores, agricultural jobs, security, and others making very low wages.

https://www.infobae.com/economia/2025/01/03/de-cuanto-es-el-salario-minimo-en-enero-2025/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1735925413

 

[daveholman]

The latest: How do we feel about replacing the current Port administration and cutting 79% of employees, replacing the leadership and selling off unused land/buildings?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1875282862074925446

 

[Betsy Ross]

The latest: How do we feel about replacing the current Port administration and cutting 79% of employees, replacing the leadership and selling off unused land/buildings?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1875282862074925446

Afuera as far as I'm concerned. I heard there is a lot of corruption in those agencies. My sense is if the government is cutting it there is a reason for it. If they say it's corrupt then I believe them. I think the auctions are smart to sell buildings they aren't using.

 

[Avocado]

The latest: How do we feel about replacing the current Port administration and cutting 79% of employees, replacing the leadership and selling off unused land/buildings?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1875282862074925446

This is terrible! So many good employees are getting terminated too. These are loyal people that have been faithful. You can't tell me that all the people in these agencies are all corrupt.

The selling of the buildings is all corruption. You will probably see the buildings being sold to friends of Caputo and Milei in backdoor deals.