The economy is a concern at the Casa Rosada, but the Government rules out a scenario of social unrest

President Javier Milei, alongside Economy Minister Luis Caputo (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)The economic data is worrying at the Casa Rosada, but the ruling party is convinced that a scenario of social unrest is not a potential danger today. Amid speculation about Luis Caputo's future —which they flatly deny at the Economy Ministry—, Milei's circle is working hard to project calm and generate expectations. They downplay the impact of the sensitive social issues the opposition has taken up as emblems against the Government—. This despite the fact that these sensitive issues have been shaking up the agenda since last week. The protests over the non-compliance with the ruling on funds for universities or the cuts to disability funding in next year's Budget filled TV channels and will likely occupy the front pages next week with the federal university march. Even so, they do not believe these issues, however tangible and close to home they may be, can influence the leaning toward the Government or push the mass of undecided voters toward the fragmented opposition. They are convinced that Milei can still generate expectation. While they admit that patience could run out over the famous "square meter," for now they see a stable scenario. University officials are planning a new march for October 15 (Photo: EFE/ Adan González) Not everything is denial. Although they defend the economic model to the death, they are worried about the effects of the drop in economic activity and admit that the Conurbano is in a very difficult situation. "Before, we all had a friend who left the country or sent their children abroad. Today, we all know someone who closed their business or lost their job," said a violeta (La Libertad Avanza) figure. Even so, they do not see a scenario of social unrest. They believe mayors lack the firepower to organize uprisings and that the ground is not fertile for spontaneous incidents. A libertarian organizer who knows and travels through the Conurbano analyzed: "People take to the streets to smash everything when they have nothing to feed their children. We are not in that situation today," he said. The Government makes sure to keep the social assistance funds channeled through Capital Humano up to date. "The indebted don't go into debt to eat," they say, very much under their breath. They know it is politically incorrect, but they confidently assert: "Imports are rising, Temu and Shein are booming. People in the neighborhoods have new clothes thanks to this Government. It may seem like a minor detail, but people value it." But they cannot help but slip in some self-criticism. "The whip is needed, but also, every now and then, a caress. And today everyone wants to imitate Milei," said a strategist, referring to the aggressive manner displayed by the (few) violeta ministers or figures who speak out. The Government makes sure to keep the social assistance funds channeled through Capital Humano up to date (Photo: REUTERS/Agustín Marcarian)Finally, they trust in the President's ability to generate conversation about himself and "not be boring." An attribute that might be considered key only during a campaign, but which the libertarians believe is also crucial for maintaining a good image throughout the administration. "Milei is not static, he is entertainment," said a member of the presidential circle, when asked about the decline of all ruling parties in the last ten elections in other countries. "People got bored of Lula. People got bored of Petro. They won't get bored of Javier," he added. In that logic, while broad sectors of the country experience the current employment, income, and housing situation as a crisis, the President released a "Milei Media" spot announcing the launch of a video of the recital he gave in the summer, but "remastered." A work by official Santiago Oría, audiovisual producer for the Presidency, very close to Karina Milei, who navigates the waters of social media daily. Milei will release the video on the 13th of this month. What he has not yet been able to pull off is the announcement of a new recital, which he promised a little over a month ago to celebrate July's 0.8% wholesale inflation. The numbers did not allow it. And it is possible that the September data —to be released next week— will show a Consumer Price Index increase that, while minimal, contradicts the official narrative. In any case, at Balcarce 50 they believe in Luis Caputo's model and assert that the CPI will sooner or later fall again. "The dollar is stable. People are traveling. The dollar is cheap. You can project," they said in the Government.