A recent regional poll conducted by CB Consultora Opinión Pública reveals that Argentine President Javier Milei is the most popular head of state in South America, with an approval rating of 51.8%—the highest in the region and the only one exceeding 50%. The December survey, conducted across South American countries, underscores Milei’s growing popularity following his first year in office.
Uruguay’s center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou ranked second with a 49.8% approval rating, while Paraguayan conservative President Santiago Peña came in third at 46.7%. Milei’s December rating marked an increase from November, when he held a 50.2% approval rating and ranked second to Lacalle Pou. This rise reflects positive public reception of Milei’s economic reforms and governance.
Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has implemented sweeping measures to stabilize Argentina’s economy, dramatically reducing inflation from 25.5% in January to 2.4% in November. His efforts to overhaul bloated government institutions and enact “shock therapy” reforms have resonated with many Argentines.
In contrast, the survey revealed declining approval for leftist leaders in the region. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ranked fifth with a 44.3% approval rating, while Chilean President Gabriel Boric ranked sixth at 40.2%. Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who has faced criticism for his policies and leadership, saw his approval drop to 39.9% from November’s 41.2%.
The region’s lowest-ranked leaders included Bolivia’s socialist President Luis Arce, Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, and Peru’s President Dina Boluarte. Arce received a 33.6% approval rating, with significant discontent over his ongoing power struggle with former President Evo Morales. Maduro, whose July election was widely condemned as fraudulent, ended 2024 with a disapproval rating of 67.4%, ahead of starting a controversial new term in January 2025.
The poll highlights Milei’s unique position as a reform-driven libertarian leader, standing out in a region often dominated by leftist and socialist governance. His high approval rating underscores public support for his efforts to address Argentina’s economic and institutional challenges.
