BUENOS AIRES, July 16 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Poverty in Argentina reached “35 per cent” so far this year, according to Argentine Catholic University (UCA), it was reported last week.
“There are several reasons [for that],” explained Eduardo Donza, a researcher with the UCA’s Observatory of Social Debt in a radio interview.
Donza added that “during the first months of the year, increases in food were higher than average [and] there is still no recovery” in the economy.
”We calculate values close to 35 per cent,“ an 1% increase over the previous year, which according to Donza, ”is a lot.“
He also pointed out that ”we have an economy that reacts very fast in relation to the price of the dollar. When we have devaluations, which are often abrupt, we have very steep price rises and the labour market becomes more precarious.“
Donza also warned about ”the price increases and a wage recovery in general below those increases.”
The government’s National Census’ Institute INDEC’s , March poverty figures for the second semester of 2018, based on the Permanent Household Survey (EPH), were at 32% of the total population.
The next official report is due in September and will cover the first six months of the year 2019, amid a presidential election process whereby the incumbent Mauricio Macri will seek another four-year term in office. — NNN-MERCOPRESS
