A pasident of Argentina, Javier Milei, signed a decree exacerbating immigration regulations. This is another step in his legislative offensive to "reform the state" – as in the economical and social dimension. Although Mileia's policy is controversial both in the country and abroad, it cannot be denied that its actions are already transforming Argentine reality.
The president importantly limits access to citizenship and residence in Argentina. Applicants for legalization must now show a unchangeable origin of income, buy out wellness insurance and present a clean criminal record.
Moreover, Milei shortened the required time of residence in the country for foreigners applying for citizenship from 2 years to 1 — but only if they made a "significant investment" in Argentina. The fresh rules besides accelerate deportation procedures, even for insignificant offences.
The president explains these actions with the desire to defend the Argentine social and wellness care strategy from "abuse", but there is no shortage of the opinion that it is purely political movement — addressed to the right-wing electorate in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections. It was not by accident that the decree itself was given the slogan: Make Argentina large Again.
Economic reforms: shock therapy and first effects
Javier Milei took office as president in December 2023 as a political outsider – a erstwhile economist and media commentator who went to elections with the slogans of full deregulation, limiting the function of the state and "economic Darwinism".
In the first weeks of office, he started implementing extremist reforms:
- Currency: the rate of peso was partially released and the black currency marketplace declined significantly. The peso strengthened by 44% against the dollar.
- Inflation: from a dramatic level of over 300% in mid-2024, inflation fell to 55.9% in November 2024.
- Budget: thanks to massive cuts in the public sector and the liquidation of many state grants, Argentina has first recorded monthly budget surpluses in years.
- The liberalisation of the real property market: rent checks were abolished, dollar contracts were allowed.
- Ordering public finances: The number of ministries has been drastically reduced – from 18 to 9 – and thousands of officials have been released.
As a result, the economy began to show signs of stability. In the 4th fourth of 2024 GDP increased by 3.9%, and forecasts for 2025 talk of an increase of 3.5–5.5%.
Social price of reforms: poverty, protests, criticism
However, the improvement of Mileia has a social price. In January 2024, poorness levels reached 57.4%. Although it fell to 38.9% by the end of the year, the increase in the cost of living, the elimination of energy and transport subsidies and restrictions on public sector employment led to massive protests.
The streets of Buenos Aires and another cities are regularly filled by demonstrators. Trade unions, social organisations and the peronist opposition accuse the president that his reforms favour the richest and deepen inequalities.
At the same time, Mileia supporters point out that individual yet undertook a real fight against systemic inflation, fiscal chaos and clientelism, which digested the country for decades.
Political support: falling poles and fighting for the center
Back in early 2024, Javier Milei enjoyed the support of 55–60%. However, political reality rapidly verified enthusiasm: his support gradually declined to oscillate around in May 2025 46–48 %.
The main reasons for the inheritance are:
- Radical rhetoric and deficiency of compromise
- Loss of the centre part of the electorate
- Social frustration caused by cuts
Importantly, La Libertad Avanza (LLA – Freedom Forward), the Mileia movement, there is no majority in Congress, which makes it hard to implement its plans without negotiation and support of another groups.
October elections: a test for reforms
Another key minute will take place on October 26, 2025 – then parliamentary elections will take place. The Argentines will elect 127 out of 257 deputies to the home of Deputies and 24 out of 72 senators.
These are half-elections – a referendum on president Mileia's policy.
Under the fresh law:
- The vote will take place on the single card (in place of the organization lists).
- The compulsory primaries (PASO) were abandoned – there will be only 1 round.
Recent polls:
- La Libertad Avanza (Freedom Forward) – 31-34%
- Unión por la Patria – 30-33%
- PRO (Propuesta Republicana – centreright, formerly associated with Macrim) – 12–15%
- Local coalitions and smaller parties – approx. 15–20% of total
The results show that the fight for triumph will take place between the Mileia movement and the conventional peronist opposition. Coalitions will be crucial, both before and after the election.
Milei a global context: “Argentinian Trump”?
President Milei's kind and rhetoric awakens associations with Donald Trump or Jair Bolsonaro. Milei himself does not hide inspiration and openly supports right-wing leaders in the world. utilizing the phrase “Make Argentina large Again” was not accidental – it's a signal to his electorate that he is going the same way.
In this spirit, he has a strong migration policy, an anti-etatistic economical agenda and an open war on media and the alleged "political caste".
After a year and a half of Javier Milei's presidency, Argentina found itself at a crossroads. On the 1 hand, inflation decline, economical growth, financial orderlyness and the fight against long-term stagnation. On the another hand, increasing social tensions, falling support and questions about the limits of reforms.In October, the Argentines will decide whether they want to proceed the revolution of Mileia or whether they will choose the way back to a more classical model of the welfare state. 1 thing is certain: no future will be like the past.
