Milei’s image improves slightly, but government and economy ratings worsen

Although presidential race remains over a year away, Javier Milei's chances for re-election in October 2027 are worrying markets, especially with recent poor economic data. In Argentina, a recent public opinion poll by Atlas Impulse and Bloomberg focused on Milei's libertarian government. The poll shows 57.2% of respondents hold a negative view of Milei, while 38.5% approve.

After peaking at 63% in April, Milei's image has improved slightly but his disapproval rating remains high, remaining above 2024 and early 2025 levels when it fluctuated between 45% and 48%. Still, Milei is one of Argentina's top-rated politicians, only surpassed by Cristina Kirchner, who has a 39% positive rating. Milei's positive rating matches Myriam Bregman's, but she has a lower disapproval rating.

However, overall government assessment has not improved. Disapproval of the administration rose to 54.2%, up from 53% in the previous poll, nearing the April peak of 59%. Economic outlook is predominantly negative, with 71% of respondents describing it as bad, compared to 21% who said it was good. Household finances were also largely viewed negatively, with 60% of respondents stating their situation was bad.

Job market dissatisfaction was even higher, with 75% of respondents describing it as bad. Looking ahead six months, respondents were largely pessimistic across all three areas surveyed. A total of 48% expect their household situation to worsen, with that figure rising to 55% for the Argentine economy and 57% for the labor market.

The government measures most negatively assessed were related to cuts to benefits and pensions for retirees and those with disabilities. Prescription drug coverage reduction for retirees had the worst rating, with 73% disapproving. The National Disability Agency's budget cuts (71%), pension increases veto and public works project suspension (both 66%) also drew high disapproval.

Conversely, the best-rated measures were eliminating intermediaries in social welfare programs (63% approval), removing foreign-exchange restrictions for individual buyers (53%), anti-roadblock protocol (53%), government ministries closure and merger (52%), and opening up imports (47%).