Economic and service crises impact Argentina and Venezuela

In Argentina, a report by the Instituto Periferias reveals a severe economic crisis in popular neighborhoods. The study of 4,742 cases indicates that 75.4% of households cannot cover minimum expenses, with only 10.8% reporting sufficient income. Food insecurity is widespread, affecting 70% of those surveyed; 59.8% have resorted to borrowing money to purchase food, and 43.7% face severe food insecurity, having gone days without eating. Debt, primarily through credit cards and loans from friends or family, has become a survival strategy for 61.8% of households.

In Barinas, Venezuela, residents and business owners are facing a collapse of public services. Critical shortages of electricity, potable water, and fuel have led to prolonged blackouts and long queues at service stations. In areas such as Don Samuel and Ciudad Varyná, citizens have staged protests and pot-banging demonstrations. The crisis is impacting the local economy, specifically causing the collapse of cold chains in pharmacies and meat processing plants, while the agricultural sector reports significant losses in food production and conservation.