A new report finds that Argentineans are deeply concerned about the country's economic state. A new survey has found that 75 percent of those questioned felt that the economy is "on the wrong track" while only 16.9 percent felt were satisfied with the country's economic trajectory. The study, done by Management & Fit and published in 'Clarin' has found that 54.9 percent of Argentineans are pessimistic about the country's economic future over the next few months.
Argentina ended 2013 with an inflation rate of 28.3 percent, according to the country's opposition leaders. The country's economy showed markedly last year, with a pronounced weakening in job growth and an ever-weakening Argentine peso. Meanwhile President Cristina Fernandez' approval ratings have fallen to just 27 percent. Meanwhile opposition leader Sergio Massase remains the strongest contender for the 2015 presidential election with 21 percent approval rating.
Argentina's economy has been struggling in recent months due to a number of ineffective policies implemented by Fernandez' government. The government has forced suppliers to fix prices on certain items, despite a surging inflation rate. Meanwhile official statistics are often at odds with independent studies: according to the government, the inflation rate is only at 10 percent. Finally, Argentina is one of the most protectionist's countries, seriously restricting international trade and therefore economic growth.
Argentina's economic floundering and civil unrest is becoming characteristic of the region. As one Brazilian summed up the situation in the Wall Street Journal: "Brazil is becoming Argentina, Argentina is becoming Venezuela, and Venezuela is becoming Zimbabwe."
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