**Argentina's Poverty Rate Surges Amidst Milei's Austerity Measures**

Argentina's poverty rate has dramatically increased, reaching nearly 53% in the first half of this year, according to official data disclosed on Thursday. This data offers a stark look at the consequences of libertarian President Javier Milei’s stringent austerity policies. This figure is a substantial rise from the 41.7% recorded at the end of last year and is more than double the 26% seen seven years ago, accentuating how recurrent economic crises have profoundly affected ordinary Argentines.

The latest figures highlight the acute short-term pain caused by Milei's fiscal tightening, aimed at correcting a substantial budget deficit. Although the Argentine economy is currently in severe recession with inflation still in the triple digits, there are hints of potential economic rejuvenation.

"Since this government took office, we've seen job losses," lamented Irma Casal, a 53-year-old resident of Buenos Aires who juggles three jobs as a garbage recycler, cardboard collector, and bricklayer, yet still struggles to make ends meet. "We work twice as hard for less, but we have to carry on," she added.

While Milei's budget cuts have been praised by financial markets and investors for helping to stabilize state finances after years of deficits, they have also dipped the country into a recession. Nonetheless, some economic signs suggest that the downturn might be bottoming out.

According to a report by the Catholic University of Argentina’s (UCA) observatory, the poverty rate hit 55.5% in the year's first quarter before easing to 49.4% in the second quarter, resulting in a 52% average for the first six months of the year. Agustin Salvia, the director of UCA's Observatory, noted the considerable initial impact of Milei's policies but mentioned indicators of recent improvement. "Examining the overall situation, the first quarter showed degradation, but that trend has started to improve," he stated.

The Argentine government has scaled back several welfare initiatives and minimized support to soup kitchens. However, it has also increased investment in essential welfare programs like the Universal Child Allowance and a Food Card program that provides direct aid to families.

Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni emphasized the administration's efforts to rectify the present economic hardships, attributing the current woes to prior governments' mismanagement. "Any level of poverty is horrendous," Adorni remarked during a daily press briefing. "We are doing everything possible to change this situation."