Argentina public opinion shows strong preference for State intervention

Recent public opinion studies in Argentina indicate that the libertarian economic principles promoted by the administration of Javier Milei have not gained widespread cultural acceptance. According to a report by CEOP Latam, while the government's influence may be felt electorally and through management, the underlying social matrix remains strongly statist.

The CEOP Latam survey found that 77% of respondents believe the State should be primarily responsible for ensuring social welfare, and 76.5% support active State intervention in the economy. Furthermore, 66.5% of those surveyed favor the protection of national industry over free market competition with foreign products. Regarding the current economic adjustment plan, 58.7% of respondents felt the measures were too severe or should not have been implemented.

A separate report from Pulsar UBA titled ‘Creencias sin partidos’ corroborates these trends, noting that even among citizens who do not identify with traditional political parties, there is a strong preference for an active State. The study shows that 57% of the population prefers a country where the State plays a role in reducing economic disparities, compared to 41% who favor individual self-reliance. This suggests that political disenchantment in Argentina does not necessarily equate to an embrace of market-driven ideologies.