Hate speech, symbolic violence, an anti-gender policy agenda, shock measures, defunding of education and health, thousands of layoffs…These are among the trademarks of the first 365 days of a government that many criticise, though some defend.
This year also saw the suspension of public works, 13 Ministries shuttered, government agencies closed, and culture and science budgets cut.
This is why, despite anti-protest protocols, thousands of citizens mobilised on multiple occasions to demand a stop to these measures that are affecting pensioners, workers, students and members of vulnerable communities.
They also refused to accept the closing of institutions, privatisation of public companies and a foreign policy that is not prioritising the defence of Argentine sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. According to the Centre for Argentine Political Economy (CEPA), since La Libertad Avanza leader has come into power, there have been profound transformations that have affected the daily reality of all Argentinians.
The government resorted to very forceful orthodox measures to improve macroeconomic indicators, which came at a heavy social cost.
The exchange rate increasing by 118%, deregulation of economic sectors and the significant rise in utility rates had an impact on prices that led to a marked decrease in income in real terms, indicates a report from that entity.
Furthermore, the period between November 2023 and August 2024 saw more than 261 thousand redundancies, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Occupational Risks.
Salaries have suffered a sharp dip in purchasing power and the new welfare policies have had various effects, all of them regressive, says the organisation. In addition to wage adjustments, free medication has now been abolished for some members of the Comprehensive Medical Attention Program.
One of Milei’s achievements, and it is a fact, is reducing inflation from 25.5% to less than 3% monthly. Nevertheless, prices are affecting the impoverished communities of lowered salaries.
This year has also seen the resignation or dismissal of several officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Diana Mondino, Minister of Health Mario Russo and Energy Secretary Eduardo Eduardo Rodríguez.
In the same vein, ever since the electoral campaign, Milei has made clear his opposition to everything related to Kirchnerism, social justice, education and cultural policies. The closure of news agency Télam, the renaming of the Casa Rosada’s Salón de las Mujeres (“Women’s Hall”) and the dismantling of the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts and the National Institute for Indigenous Affairs were only some of the measures he implemented.
Besides this, a process of historical revisionism and denialism has begun, the head of state taking several opportunities to express his admiration for former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher. Backed by an army of trolls who spread falsehoods and attack any objectors via social media, Milei is fuelling a culture war against all values linked to Peronism and progressive and leftist movements. PL
(Translated by Natasha Greenidge – Email: natashagreenidge1@gmail.com) – Photos: Pixabay
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