The first anniversary of the government of Javier Milei offers an opportunity to evaluate a year that has combined high-impact measures, political turbulence and economic management that, so far, has achieved some stability in public perception. But, as in all management, the green lights of economic approval They contrast with the alarms raised in other key areas.
The economy
Since the beginning of its mandate, the libertarian administration has sought to impose a drastic change in Argentine economic policy. This approach seems to have borne fruit in public opinion: the government acceptance has remained between 42% and 45% for much of the year, with a recent rebound at 47% according to figures from the consulting firm Zuban Córdoba. This trend leaves a clear message: citizen support is directly linked to the control of inflation and the perception of economic stability achieved by the minister’s management. Luis “Toto” Caputo.
In contrast to his predecessors, who in election years faced criticism without tangible achievement to show off, Milei has managed to keep inflationary expectations low, giving him room for political maneuver. However, this is fragile territory, where any setback in the economy could trigger a sharp drop in its support.
- Positive economic perception: More than 60% of those surveyed stated that both the level of income and the standard of living have improved during this year, consolidating the idea that economic success is the central axis of their legitimacy.
- Expectations versus sacrifices: Despite the difficulties, 43.9% of Argentines trust that the current economic sacrifices will be worth it in the long term. However, 51.1% believe otherwise, highlighting a skepticism that could worsen if sustainable results are not achieved.
The economy, however, is not completely won ground. The fiscal adjustment, necessary for Milei’s policies, has generated social tensions and criticism of its impact on vulnerable sectors.
The challenges
Although economic stability has been a highlight, the balance of the first year reveals significant deficits in areas such as security, government transparency and public education. These deficiencies, combined with a confrontational political speechhave generated tensions both with sectors of society and internationally.
The government also faces the challenge of translating its libertarian ideology into public policies that connect with the majority of the population. While its most loyal base supports its disruptive approach, the massive adoption of its ideological “frame” It is still far from materializing. This is evident in issues such as the treatment of the press, limited access to public information and errors in foreign policy, which fuel criticism of his management.
Education, health and safety
- 56.3% of those surveyed believe that public education has worsened, while 53.9% consider that social equality has also regressed.
- Cuts in sensitive areas, perceived as a “defunding” of essential services, have fueled the perception that the adjustment falls disproportionately on the most disadvantaged sectors.
Transparency and communication
- The government has been criticized for its handling of presidential communication, perceived by 48.7% as directed mainly at “markets and businessmen,” leaving out a large part of the population.
- Furthermore, 71.9% of those consulted reject phrases such as “climate change is an invention of socialism,” reflecting a clash between libertarian discourse and public perception.
Narrative
The libertarian ideology that underpins Milei’s government has not achieved mass acceptance. Although his figure remains central, with approval levels close to 52.5%, many of his structural proposals face overwhelming rejection:
- Privatizations: 59.5% of those surveyed oppose the total privatization of state companies.
- Overthrow of the State: An overwhelming 80.7% reject the idea of eliminating the existence of the State to leave control to the market.
- Social reforms: Initiatives such as repealing the Gender Identity Law and equal marriage have the support of only 9.1%, which shows widespread resistance to setbacks in acquired rights.
This imbalance shows that, although Milei has capitalized on discontent with the traditional system, its proposals fail to significantly penetrate society beyond immediate economic achievements.
Election year
One year into his mandate, Argentina seems mired in a state of “wait and see”. The patience of citizens depends, to a large extent, on the continuity of economic results. Looking ahead to the 2025 legislative elections, the ruling party could consolidate if it manages to keep inflation under control and capitalize on the fragmentation of the opposition.
However, The challenge for “mileism” lies in demonstrating that its movement can be sustained beyond the figure of Milei.. Is the libertarian vote synonymous with the vote for Milei, or is there potential for expansion through local leadership? Governors and provincial leaders of the ruling party have the task of consolidating a political space that does not depend exclusively on the charisma of the president. The political panorama ahead of the 2025 legislative elections presents challenges and opportunities for the ruling party and the opposition, where attention is focused on the figure of Cristina Kirchner as the main antagonist.
- Strengths of the ruling party: The opposition fragmentation, added to the perception of stable economic management, positions the government with the possibility of obtaining good results in the next elections. However, the challenge lies in transforming support for Milei into votes for his political space in the different districts.
- The opposition, in crisis: The survey shows that the opposition has not managed to build clear leadership or a unified agenda. Although it could benefit from the erosion of the ruling party, its current fragmentation reduces its ability to articulate an effective counterweight.
Javier Milei’s first year has been a political roller coaster, marked by advances in the economy and setbacks in other areas of government. The success of his administration will depend on his ability to expand his agenda beyond the economic, address structural deficits, and offer a political model that generates consensus instead of polarization. In a country accustomed to dizzying cycles, 2025 will be a crucial turning point to evaluate whether “mileism” can be consolidated as a lasting political project or if it will be relegated to being an anecdote in Argentine history.
by RN
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