How the social mood has changed since Javier Milei became president

Almost four months after Javier Milei took office as president, the social mood of the population presents a wide range of nuances, depending on socioeconomic, ideological and gender levels. However, some characteristics predominate in almost all segments. What is of concern are the personal or family economy and the economy of the country which has grown the most in the last three months. An increase in fear about the political situation was also detected slight increase in optimism.

The findings were obtained from a survey by consulting firm ShopApp that compared consumer concerns and expectations between November (post-election), December (post-government inauguration), and March 2024.

On the pessimism-optimism scale, a decrease in pessimism levels and a slight increase in optimism levels were observed. THE Men tend to be more optimistic than women, especially those of socioeconomic level ABC1 while lThe middle and lower layers show the highest percentage of pessimism.

According to the investigation, “Uncertainty continues to be the predominant feeling for 40% of the sample, although a slight decrease is noted over time”.

As for the main concerns found in the survey, “the personal and family economy, as well as that of the country, are those that record growth over the months: percent are worried about their personal or family finances It went from 43% in November to 63% in March. And concern about the country’s economy went from 35% post-outflow to 45% in December and 49% last month.

It was also observed in the study an increase in concern about the political situation in the country over time. It went from 12% in November to 31% last March.

As for inflation, Despite its slowdown since January, it remains a primary concern, although it appears to be diminishing slightly over time. “Perhaps this reflects a more optimistic perception regarding the economic measures implemented by the new government”, explains Juana Merlo, director of ShopApp, analyzing the conclusions of the survey. “Very high inflation” is one of the fears which dropped from 60% to 50% in March.

Income and inflation

But on the other hand, For 46% of the sample, the fear of a reduction in their income persists.. and the need for adjust the standard of living which has increased by 4 points among the population, indicating continued concern for personal financial stability. In particular, the lowest socioeconomic group is the one most concerned about the personal/family economy and the political situation of the country compared to that of the ABC1 level.

Another concern that appears in a growing trend is “the having to work more hours to supplement the income”. In November last year it affected only 8% of the population, in the latest measurement it had risen to 15%. Young people between 18 and 29 are the most optimistic about increasing their income more than inflation, while the most pessimistic in this regard are those over fifty.

As for consumer expectations for the rest of the year, most respondents expect this your income increases less than inflation“, suggesting an anticipation of continued economic distress in the near future,” the survey analyzed. Clearly, expectations that income will increase more or less than inflation fall at the ABC1 level.

“In summary, the data suggests a gradual improvement in the perspectives and emotional state of the interviewees over time. However, economic and political concerns remain important, indicating this challenges and concerns still persist among the population”, says Merlo.

Another survey, conducted by the consultancy firm D’Alessio Irol, which usually also measures the social humor of the population based on their political preferences, concluded that Of the ten issues that Argentines consider most urgent, eight correspond to economic issues.

In the latest survey, conducted in March, inflation was the issue that worried respondents the most, at 87%. Again, showing a slight downward trend over the last three months. This is followed by economic uncertainty (72%), insecurity (63%) and concern about the adjustments to be made to pay the foreign debt, which rose from 30% to 50%.