Fact Check: "Argentina's inflation and poverty measures hit multi-year lows under Milei."
What We Know
In recent reports, it has been stated that Argentina's poverty rate dropped to 38.1% during President Javier Milei's first year in office, a significant decrease from 41.7% under his predecessors in the second half of 2023 (AP News). This decline in poverty coincides with a notable reduction in inflation, which fell to 66.9% annually, down from 276.2% a year prior (AP News). Additionally, wholesale prices have also seen a decline, marking the lowest levels since 2020, with a 0.3% drop reported in May 2025 (Bloomberg).
Economists have pointed out that while these statistics may appear favorable, they do not fully capture the economic hardships faced by many Argentines. For instance, the poverty rate had soared to 53% in the first half of 2024 before the reported decrease (AP News). Critics argue that the austerity measures implemented by Milei's government have led to increased hardships for the poor, despite the statistical improvements (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Argentina's inflation and poverty measures have hit multi-year lows under Milei is partially true. The reported statistics indicate a decrease in both poverty and inflation, which are indeed the lowest figures seen in several years. However, the context surrounding these numbers is crucial.
While the official poverty rate has decreased, many experts and economists argue that the statistics do not reflect the lived experiences of the population. For example, Tomás Raffo, an economist, noted that there is a significant disparity between the reported statistics and the reality on the streets, where many people are still struggling with basic needs (AP News). Furthermore, the methodology used by the INDEC (the national statistics agency) has been criticized for being outdated and potentially misleading, as it does not account for recent changes in consumer behavior and spending (AP News).
The austerity measures that have contributed to the drop in inflation have also led to increased poverty for many, as essential services and supports have been cut back (AP News). This duality complicates the narrative of success that Milei's administration is attempting to project.
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim that "Argentina's inflation and poverty measures hit multi-year lows under Milei" is Partially True. While there are indeed statistics that support the claim of reduced inflation and poverty rates, the broader context reveals significant ongoing economic struggles for many Argentines. The statistics may not fully represent the realities faced by the population, and the measures taken to achieve these results have raised concerns about their long-term sustainability and impact on the most vulnerable citizens.
