Argentine Senators' Self-Approved Pay Raise Fails to Dent Milei's Popularity

Argentine senators have sparked public outrage by voting to raise their own salaries by a staggering 170%, earning around $4,500 each - nearly 20 times the minimum wage in a country where six in 10 people live in poverty amid an ongoing economic crisis. The ruling bloc in the Senate has said it will present a bill to reverse the pay increase, which comes as President Javier Milei's government is debating measures to slash state spending.

President Milei, who has taken steps to cut public spending, criticized the senators as "cynical" and "hypocritical" for their actions. Economy Minister Sergio Massa described the senators' move as an "embarrassment" at a time when the government is seeking to reduce expenditures.

Despite the controversy, political consultant Ana Iparraguirre says that Milei's popularity remains unaffected by the senators' self-approved pay raise. Iparraguirre explains that Milei is seen by the public as fighting against the system and the entrenched political establishment.

Why this matters: The senators' actions highlight the deep divide between Argentina's political elite and the struggling population. Milei's ability to maintain his popularity despite the controversy underscores his appeal as an outsider promising to shake up the system.

The senators' decision to grant themselves a substantial pay increase has drawn sharp condemnation from both the government and the public. As the Milei administration grapples with implementing austerity measures to address Argentina's economic woes, the senators' move is widely seen as tone-deaf and self-serving. The ruling bloc's pledge to reverse the pay hike reflects the intense backlash and pressure to prioritize the needs of the nation over personal gain.

Key Takeaways

• Argentine senators voted for a 170% salary hike, earning $4,500 each.
• The pay raise sparked public outrage in a country with 60% poverty rate.
• President Milei criticized the senators as "cynical" and "hypocritical".
• Milei's popularity remains unaffected as he is seen as fighting the system.
• The ruling bloc pledged to reverse the pay hike amid public backlash.