Argentina Struggles with Looting, Economic Collapse as Government Refuses to Blame Soaring Inflation

The looting of supermarkets and other food centers in four Argentinian cities this week has triggered officials within the current leftist administration to blame conservative presidential candidate Javier Milei for inciting the attacks. But locals claim it’s an attempt to divert attention away from the country’s skyrocketing inflation rate and rapidly collapsing economy.

Argentine congressman and presidential candidate Javier Milei delivers a speech during the closing of his campaign for the Aug. 13 primary elections, at the Movistar Arena in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Aug. 7, 2023. Argentina held primary elections on Aug. 13, and will hold the first round of the presidential vote on Oct. 22. Luis Robayo/AFP via Getty Images

Argentina’s economic woes hit a new low this week as desperate locals ransacked grocery stores in four cities amid a crippling national inflation rate of 113 percent.

The current Peronist regime of Alberto Ángel Fernández has attempted to steer talk of responsibility for the widespread looting away from the country’s sky-high inflation.