Falling youth support for Milei: the disenchantment that may complicate his re-election

A growing disillusionment among young Argentinians threatens to undermine President Javier Milei’s prospects for re-election in 2027, according to recent surveys. Young voters, once a key pillar of his support base, are increasingly turning against him, with approval ratings plummeting across multiple age groups. Two polls released this week highlight a declining government popularity, particularly among younger demographics who were instrumental in Milei's victory in 2023. The erosion of support is evident in data from Latam Pulse and MYF Consultora, which show a sharp drop in approval ratings. According to Latam Pulse, produced by Bloomberg and AtlasIntel, Milei’s disapproval rating stands at 62.4 percent, the lowest recorded in the survey’s history. Among those aged 16 to 24, the figure climbs to 76.9 percent, while those aged 25 to 34 face a disapproval rate of 71.9 percent. These findings underscore a broader trend of economic anxiety gripping the population, with rising prices and tariffs cited as the primary concerns. MYF Consultora’s poll reveals that only 38 percent of young people currently back Milei’s leadership, down from 48 to 50 percent before last year’s elections. The decline extends beyond age, with gender-based differences in support also diminishing. Previously, Milei enjoyed stronger backing among men than women, but today, female disapproval reaches 66.1 percent compared to 58.5 percent among men. This shift indicates a weakening of support within traditional voter segments of his base. Further evidence of the changing landscape comes from MYF Consultora’s analysis showing that approval rates among those under 40 have dropped to 36.8 percent, nearly matching the 37.4 percent approval rate among older citizens. Once the driving force behind Milei’s campaign, young voters are now showing signs of detachment. The gap in generational support has effectively disappeared, signaling a significant transformation in political dynamics. According to MYF Consultora director Mariel Fornoni, the main reason for the loss of young supporters lies in economic dissatisfaction. She notes that while the core group of Milei’s supporters still includes those under 40, he is failing to capture the attention of younger voters entering the electoral arena, those around 18 or 20 years old. These individuals, she explains, are the most vulnerable to the economic fluctuations under Milei’s administration. They are struggling with basic living costs, including rent, and are bearing the brunt of the financial strain. Economic issues dominate the list of concerns expressed by respondents, with rising prices and tariffs topping the list, followed by corruption, unemployment, and poverty. The challenges faced by these younger voters reflect a broader discontent with the current economic policies, suggesting that Milei’s libertarian agenda may not resonate as strongly with the next generation of Argentinians. As the 2027 election cycle approaches, Milei faces the daunting task of reversing this trend. His ability to address the economic grievances of young voters will be crucial in maintaining his political relevance and securing another term in office.