Is the Milei "Transformation" Failing Already?

I said usually. And I agree about Germany. They, like Argentina, also faced unsustainable debt levels which was one of, if not the leading cause, of hyperinflation. Venezuelan inflation was caused by economic sanctions which Argentina has yet to experience, although one might argue protectionist tariffs (lemon exports come to mind) are a form of sanctions.
Venezuelan inflation was caused by economic sanctions? Have you tried stand-up?
 
Venezuelan inflation was caused by economic sanctions? Have you tried stand-up?
Please explain why inflation in Venezuela has been dropping after US sanctions were eased in 2022. Or does that not fit into your socialism bad, capitalism good narrative.
 
It has to do with a few reasons - one is the easing of sanctions which has allowed Chevron to resume operations there and export oil. Venezuela has essentially dollarized too since then. The government has also ended price controls, privatized some state companies, etc

So let's say it's of combination of easing of sanctions, dollarization, and some market friendly reforms
 
1. ARS 156.000 (Official@823 = USD 189/ Blue @995 = USD 156)

2. ARS 234.315 (Official@905 = USD 258/ Blue @1120 = USD 209)

Increase = 37% official / 33% blue.
IMO, the USD is a foreign trade instrument and a speculative investment. It should not be a measure of domestic relative affordability. Argentines are also use Crytpo as a store of value, and I don't see anyone using that to determine how much goods cost. I propose instead that we use the Canasta Basica Total and Salario Minimo to show the true change of purchasing power.

Salario Minimo
Dec 2023 - $156,000
Canasta Basica Total
Dec 2023 - $160,452

Percentage of Salario/Canasta = %97

Salario Minimo
May 2024 - $234,315
Canasta Basica Total
May 2024 - $275,518

Percentage of Salario/Canasta = %85

That seems to me like a net 12% drop of purchasing power for the Salario Minimo, contrary to a "37% official rise in USD wages".
 
IMO, the USD is a foreign trade instrument and a speculative investment. It should not be a measure of domestic relative affordability. Argentines are also use Crytpo as a store of value, and I don't see anyone using that to determine how much goods cost. I propose instead that we use the Canasta Basica Total and Salario Minimo to show the true change of purchasing power.

Salario Minimo
Dec 2023 - $156,000
Canasta Basica Total
Dec 2023 - $160,452

Percentage of Salario/Canasta = %97

Salario Minimo
May 2024 - $234,315
Canasta Basica Total
May 2024 - $275,518

Percentage of Salario/Canasta = %85

That seems to me like a net 12% drop of purchasing power for the Salario Minimo, contrary to a "37% official rise in USD wages".
I would agree that foreign currency will never show the reality of local income vs costs in any country, while it may serve for comparative purposes such as understanding the value of wages in FX terms. Also would agree that to use the canasta basica total vs minimum wage to show the true change of purchasing power (for those earning this amount) is a more meaningful measure to show the value of it.

To understand the purchasing power of wage earners in Argentina it is important to note that the minimum wage is not usually that relevant in practice to many workers as each sector has their own minimums that can far exceed this amount, as they are starting to again this year. Unlike perhaps in countries like the US or Europe, in Argentina one cannot assume that just because a worker is performing a function such as scrubbing floors they are earning "minimum wage" or close to it. For example, the lowest wage paid to workers in the retail union (representing more than a million workers...) goes to freshly hired janitorial staff who have a basic starting salary (before allowances) of ARS 732.910 in July (166% more than the canasta basica and 212% more than the minimum wage...)

 
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