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Argentina - Milei's Chainsaw

President Milei came to power promising to hack Argentina's state and budget - what is the impact on the country?

It has been a year since chainsaw-wielding Javier Milei won the Presidency in Argentina. During his campaign, his chainsaw became a symbol of how quickly and drastically he wanted to cut the Argentine state. And he has slashed government budgets and sliced subsidies on power, food and transport. He stopped printing money to try and halt inflation which was running at 211.4% annually when he was sworn in.

How have his actions changed life for ordinary Argentines? Buenos Aires based reporter, Charlotte Pritchard, talks to Argentines about how they're feeling now. From the gauchos at the annual event to show off their herds of horses, to those taking advantage of a scheme to 'whiten' black-market money they have hidden under their mattress - is there hope or despair?

Produced and presented by Charlotte Pritchard
Studio Manager: Donald McDonald
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Penny Murphy

(Image: Argentine gauchos riding their horses and kicking up dust, at the Day of Tradition festival in San Antonio de Areco, Argentina. Credit: Macarena Gagliardi/大象传媒)

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27 minutes

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