In Mendoza, Argentina, October 2025, I interviewed Juli, a lawyer, and Tomi, a small business owner, about Argentina’s situation under President Milei after recent elections that gave him majorities in Congress.
They describe life before Milei as marked by extreme inflation, shortages, import restrictions and high taxes that made travel and international goods unaffordable, pushing people to use instalments and pricing in dollars. Additionally, they criticise prior policies that expanded benefits without sufficient control, enabling abuse and discouraging formal work, and discuss the cultural notion of taking advantage (“ventajeros”).
Prices and salaries now feel more stable, allowing businesses to hold prices for months, and they feel hopeful professionals may return from abroad, though reforms are exhausting and many—especially pensioners and public services—are still suffering.
We also talk about their views on Trump, corruption and Argentina’s beauty, warmth, and hospitality.
Prefer reading? Find an overview of the interview here.
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