Martina Jaureguy Most Argentines disapprove of President Javier Milei and his administration, a spate of recent polls and surveys finds. Among the top issues cited were the government’s ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its management of a natural disaster in Bahía Blanca, and the general safety of the country.
According to the polling firm Zuban-Córdoba, 58.5% of the population hold a negative image of Milei, while 58.4% disapprove of his government’s performance — six percentage points higher than in November. A report released on Sunday found that these numbers began dipping in January, and that they are the lowest the administration has registered since October of last year.
“Negative numbers are increasing slowly but surely, and seem not to have a limit,” read the Zuban-Córdoba report, which noted that this trendline has grown more pronounced as “more problems” have arisen for the government. It also observed that Milei’s numbers first began to dip after he delivered a speech at the Davos Economic Forum that was widely denounced for being homo- and transphobic.
The firm likewise observed that Milei’s inner circle has long maintained that “as long as the government’s approval didn’t drop below 40% it wouldn’t have governability problems.” That number has dipped to 41.6%.
Another poll by the University of San Andrés (Udesa, by its Spanish acronym) released last week found that Milei’s popularity has dropped around 7 points to 43%, while 51% hold a negative image of the president. Additionally, 62% are dissatisfied with the executive branch’s performance, with just 31% saying they are satisfied — 9 percentage points lower than in November. A similar slide can be observed in satisfaction levels with Milei’s government, whose approval rating now sits at 45% compared to 52% who disapprove.
Previously, Opina Argentina found on March 11 that Milei’s popularity has dropped 6 points in March, from 54 to 48%. These numbers represent “his lowest level since September 2024,” although Milei remains above water with men (54%). Udesa similarly found that 53% of men approve of the government, compared to just 48% of women.
What Argentines are most concerned about
Udesa’s survey showed that, after three years, crime (40%) poverty (32%) and low salaries (29%) have supplanted inflation as Argentines’ primary concern.
Zuban-Córdoba’s poll, meanwhile, indicated that 63% of Argentines hold a negative view of the IMF and 63.8% disagree with Milei’s decision to pursue a new loan from the U.S.-backed lender. Moreover, 68.9% agreed with the phrase “IMF loans have always been very damaging for Argentina.”
Zuban-Córdoba’s report separately revealed that 58.6% believe Milei “is not doing anything” to stop security issues, and 72.3% agree that the national state “should do more to prevent natural disasters throughout the country.” Additionally, 67% disagree that only the local governments of Bahía Blanca and Buenos Aires province should rebuild the city alone, without the national government’s help.
The report finally noted that 55.8% disagree with the phrase “Milei has inflation completely controlled,” while 57.6% say the president can’t be trusted due to involvement in the $LIBRA crypto scam. According to Udesa’s survey, 54% of participants said the scandal changed their opinion of the president.
