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BINOS AIRES (Reuters) – A survey published on Friday showed that 64 percent of Argentines fear that the country’s deteriorating economy will worsen in the coming months against the background of high inflation and a weak purchasing power of the peso.
The survey, conducted by consulting firm Management & Fit in Buenos Aires from September 2-13, indicates the highest level of economic pessimism in five years.
Those with a more pessimistic view of the future of the economy rose from about 59% in the July poll.
The growing pessimism also extends to the views of centre-left president Alberto Fernandez, who has a 73% disapproval rating.
Asked who they would vote for in next year’s presidential election, 60% of those polled said they would choose someone from the opposition, and only 29% said they intended to stay with a candidate from Fernandez’s ruling coalition led by the Peronists.
Latin America’s third-largest economy is in the midst of a protracted economic and financial crisis, with rising poverty fueled by escalating consumer prices that are expected to end the year up 95%, according to official estimates.
However, the economy has seen 4% growth this year, but is down from 10% growth in 2021. Economic growth is expected to slow to 2% next year, according to the 2023 draft budget.
The Management & Fit survey showed that inflation, high taxes and corruption are the main problems in the country.
The nationwide telephone survey was conducted among 2,200 respondents between the ages of 16 and 75, with a margin of error of about 2%.
