In a remarkable shift, Argentina’s new libertarian president, Javier Milei, has managed to turn the country’s dire economic situation around. Just a few months ago, in November 2023, Argentina was facing an inflation rate of 211.4% and a staggering poverty rate of 41.7%. This meant that nearly 19.5 million people were living below the poverty line. Ironically, just before the election, over 100 economists warned that electing Milei could lead to disaster for the nation.
Milei implemented a bold strategy that included cutting public spending, reducing bureaucracy, and trimming public sector jobs. These measures helped erase the country’s massive fiscal deficit and set the stage for a significant economic recovery. By May 2025, inflation had dropped to 43.5%, the lowest it had been in five years. The consumer price index also rose by 1.5%, while wholesale prices fell by 0.3%, marking the best performance in 17 years.
Emmanuel Rincon, writing for The Daily Economy, emphasized that these results were not coincidental. They came from a clear approach focused on fiscal balance and economic deregulation. Harvard Business School professor Alberto Cavallo noted that the cost of living in Argentina has improved significantly. According to the PriceStats PPP index, a basket of identical products is now 1% cheaper in Argentina than in the United States. Additionally, prices compared to Brazil have dropped by over 20 points since January.
Milei is also keen on harnessing Argentina’s oil resources, particularly in the Vaca Muerta formation in Patagonia, which holds significant shale oil and gas reserves. He aims to boost the country’s oil production and reshape the economy, which has long relied on agriculture. If successful, this could provide new wealth for Argentina and solidify support for Milei’s vision among voters.
As the country moves forward, Milei’s policies are being closely watched. The results so far suggest a strong recovery, but the future remains uncertain. The transformation of Argentina’s economy will depend on continued progress and the ability to maintain stability in a challenging environment.
