Majority of Argentinians Support Javier Milei

Javier Milei, the newly elected president of Argentina, is encountering significant obstacles in enacting his proposed reforms due to limited support in Congress. With only seven out of 72 senators and 38 out of 257 members of Parliament backing him, Milei was compelled to withdraw a key law when it became clear he would not secure a majority. This political gridlock comes at a time when Argentina is grappling with a decline in economic output, directly affecting the lives of its citizens. Despite the economic challenges, Milei has made strides in welfare distribution by allocating funds directly to the poorest Argentinians, circumventing traditional intermediaries that have historically mismanaged resources. While this approach has benefited the most vulnerable, it has left the middle class struggling, with many slipping into poverty as state support is primarily directed at the lowest income brackets. The political landscape complicates Milei's efforts, particularly his alliance with former president Mauricio Macri's conservative party. The presence of two right-leaning factions—Milei's libertarians and Macri's conservatives—hinders their ability to form a cohesive majority against the dominant left-wing Peronists. This division poses a significant challenge for Milei as he seeks to implement his agenda. Ultimately, Milei's success hinges on the patience of the Argentine populace. Market economy reforms typically require time to yield results, and it remains to be seen whether Milei's supporters will maintain their faith in his vision amid ongoing economic difficulties.