Argentina’s poverty rate climbed to 32 % in the first half of 2026, a 4.1‑percentage‑point increase over the previous period, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The rise comes amid President Javier Milei’s administration, which has implemented a series of economic reforms aimed at stabilising the country.
The 4.1‑point jump is the most significant rise in poverty since the data collection began, signalling that the social impact of Milei’s policies may be more severe than expected. The figure reflects the proportion of the population living below the national poverty line during the first six months of 2026.
Analysts say the uptick could be a setback for Milei’s prospects in the forthcoming presidential election, as voters weigh the cost of his economic agenda against the need for social protection. The increase is likely to be highlighted by opposition parties and civil‑society groups during the campaign.
Argentina, the largest country in South America by area and the most populous in the region, has long struggled with high levels of poverty and inflation. The latest data add to the debate over how best to balance fiscal austerity with social welfare.
As the country heads toward the next election cycle, the rise in poverty will remain a key metric for assessing the effectiveness of Milei’s policies and the public’s response to his leadership.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>