IMF chief Georgieva visits Argentina as Milei pushes reforms

International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva toured Argentina in July, meeting President Javier Milei, his cabinet and the central bank, and visiting the Vaca Muerta shale field. In Buenos Aires, IMF staff held a lengthy dialogue with NGOs, raising concerns about the rule of law, fiscal targets and the need for “real‑economy” growth.

Milei defended his economic programme, claiming the country is “much better” than at the start of his term, pointing to higher dollar‑denominated salaries, record GDP growth and export figures. He announced a reform of the Central Bank’s charter aimed at curbing inflation. Critics warned that the recovery rests on a fragile foundation of external debt, a shrinking formal‑sector workforce and rising household mor‑tality.

Analysts highlighted that the extractive boom in oil, gas and mining has not generated proportional formal jobs, while the government’s fiscal plan struggles to meet IMF‑set surplus targets. The visit underscored the tight link between Argentina’s policy choices and its IMF financing arrangements.