Javier Milei's shock therapy drives millions into poverty

In Argentina, many small businesses are facing significant challenges as they try to navigate the consequences of rising costs and inflation. Raul Szapsiowicz, who has operated his greengrocer for 30 years, reports a drastic increase in expense related to services such as electricity and energy, which have become exorbitantly expensive over the past year. Despite merchandise prices remaining stable or even decreasing, Szapsiowicz noted a change in customer behavior, with shoppers purchasing smaller quantities due to their dwindling financial resources. The impacts of inflation have been felt broadly across the local economy, forcing consumers to adapt their spending habits drastically. Alongside Szapsiowicz's experience, younger workers such as Esthefanny Quispe Gomez, who works at a family-run bakery, also highlight the struggles they endure in managing the rising costs of living. The atmosphere in their establishment is described as warm and inviting, but they too are not immune to the financial pressures stemming from inflation that plague many sectors of the economy. These rising costs put immense strain on daily operations, leading businesses to adjust their practices to survive in this challenging climate. The situation not only underscores the difficulties faced by small business owners but also showcases the broader societal shifts occurring as average citizens contend with the ramifications of these economic changes. Many families are tightening their budgets, resulting in a noticeable decline in consumer spending. As disposable income shrinks, it raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of local businesses in Argentina amidst ongoing financial crises. Consequently, economists and observers have been scrutinizing the governmental measures in place and the effectiveness of the current economic approach. While some voices in the economic community claim success for the drastic policies implemented by the government, many citizens and local businesses experience the pain of poverty and the pressures of increasing costs on a daily basis.