Milei Mocks 'Depressed Consumption' Amidst Busy Streets
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Argentine President Javier Milei sarcastically commented on the "depressed consumption" in the country, sharing a video of a busy Avenida Corrientes.
- Official data shows a continued decline in mass consumption, with sales of basic goods falling 3.8% year-on-year in April.
- Despite economic concerns, some reports indicate a paradox of pessimism about current finances alongside favorable expectations for the country's future.
Argentine President Javier Milei has taken to social media to comment on the nation's economic situation, sharing a video of the bustling Avenida Corrientes with a sarcastic caption about "the craziest depressed consumption in human history." The post, made on X, highlighted the apparent contradiction between official economic data and the vibrant street scene.
The craziest depressed consumption in human history.
Milei's remarks come as recent reports indicate a continued slump in consumer spending. A Scentia consultancy report revealed that sales of basic goods, including food and personal hygiene items, dropped by 3.8% in April compared to the previous year. While this represents a slight slowdown from March's 5.1% decline, a sustained recovery remains elusive, with the first four months of the year showing a cumulative decrease of 3.3%.
Other consultancies offer a slightly different perspective. NielsenIQ reported that sales in March and April remained largely flat compared to the same period in 2025. Their data shows food items performing relatively well with a 1% year-on-year increase, while personal care and cleaning products saw a 3.3% decrease.
Another weekend with everything packed. Full streets, full stadiums, full concerts, full theaters, packed restaurants.
Beyond the numbers, a study by Bain & Company identified shifts in consumer behavior, noting the rise of the "immediate consumer" who prioritizes quick benefits and short-term purchases amid economic volatility. While personal finances remain a primary concern for 59% of those surveyed, a notable paradox emerges: nearly half of the population holds optimistic views about the country's future over the next five years, despite current pessimism.
While the econo-charlatans and journalists lie. NOLSALP (We don't hate journalists enough). The people know.
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.