Milei presumes having lowered the poverty rate in 20 points in the first quarter of 2025

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Argentina’s Poverty Rates: A Glimmer of Hope or Just Smoke and Mirrors?

In a shocking revelation, the Argentine government boasts of a staggering drop in poverty rates, proclaiming a decrease of more than 20 percentage points in just the first three months of 2025! Now standing at an astounding 31.7%, these figures are hailed as a monumental achievement.

However, let’s peel back the layers of this astonishing claim. The data comes from the National Council for the Coordination of Social Policies (CNCPS), supposedly using insights from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INDEC). But can we really trust these numbers? Is this a genuine reflection of the economic landscape or a carefully curated narrative?

Unveiling the Truth Behind the Statistics

According to the government’s statement, this estimate of 31.7 percent showcases a reduction of 23.1 percentage points in comparison to the dismal first quarter of 2024, which recorded an alarming 54.8% poverty rate. What a leap! But are we really witnessing progress, or is this a political ploy?

“Poverty continues to descend in this Latin American country,” the government proudly declares, but can we accept this at face value?

Javier Milei’s administration points out a remarkable drop from 52.9% to 38.1% between the first and second semesters of 2024, taking credit for the supposed economic policies that sparked this change. However, as citizens, we must ask ourselves: are these policies genuinely effective?

Indigence? A Distant Memory?

The administration insists that “indigence,” that is, extreme poverty, has dramatically decreased from 20.2% to 7.3% in a year-on-year comparison. Is this progress real, or are we merely observing an illusion crafted by statistical gymnastics?

First Quarter 2024: Peak Poverty at 54.8%
Current Stats (2025): A drop to 31.7%
Indigence Rate: Falling from 20.2% to 7.3%

As the Argentine government touts its success, attributing it to economic policies aimed at reducing inflation and stabilizing the economy, we must scrutinize these claims. Is this a genuine recovery for Argentina, or are we simply being led down a path of false hope?

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