Unemployment displaces inflation as Argentines' main concern

Unemployment has emerged as the top concern for Argentines, surpassing inflation according to a new survey conducted by Opina Argentina. Thirty-six percent of respondents identified joblessness as their primary issue, with corruption trailing closely at 32%. In contrast, inflation has dropped to 11% in the latest poll, while insecurity ranks 9th among worries.

The survey, which polled 1,507 individuals across the country between August 7 and 11, reveals that 64% of respondents fear a family member may lose their job in the coming months.

This shift in priorities aligns with a broader downturn in expectations. Sixty percent of respondents believe their personal situation will worsen over the next few months, a seven-point increase from the previous month and the highest reading since Alberto Fernández's government ended. Furthermore, 60% of those who voted for Javier Milei and current senator Patricia Bullrich share this pessimistic outlook.

Household indicators corroborate this sentiment, with 48% stating they cannot make ends meet and only 18% managing to save over the past month. Sixty-two percent consider it an unfavorable time to purchase household appliances, and 75% spent nothing on leisure activities during this period. When it comes to prices, 55% anticipate inflation to accelerate, while only 22% expect it to decrease.

Additionally, 63% believe the government is failing to address the inflation problem. A majority also opposes the three economic bills the executive has presented to Congress: the Inviolability of Private Property Law, the Fiscal Innocence Law, and the Super RIGI incentive scheme for large investments in new industries, all with rejection rates exceeding 58%.