The numbers that reveal the erosion of Milei's popularity at the beginning of 2026

The decline in Milei’s popularity has crossed a new concerning threshold for the government. The international consulting firm Atlas Intel, the same one that accurately predicted the president’s electoral victory in 2023, has just published its monthly monitor “Latam Pulse” with data confirming a downward trend.

The study, based on 4,761 digital surveys nationwide in February 2026 and accessed by El Cronista, reveals an uncomfortable reality: presidential rejection has risen to 55.3%. In contrast, support has decreased to 41.5%, while only 3.3% remain undecided. This marks a nearly 14-point negative difference, showing a clear decline from January, when disapproval was at 52.8% and approval at 43.3%.

Overall support erosion in numbers

When asked about the government’s daily management, the outlook is similar. 53.1% of respondents rate the performance as “bad or very bad,” while 35% have a positive view, calling it “excellent or good,” and 11.9% consider it average. The jump in rejection is notable when looking at historical data: just a month ago, negative evaluations were below 50%, specifically at 47.6%.

This downward trajectory in Milei’s popularity indicates a deeper weakening than mere short-term fluctuation. The numbers suggest a consolidation of discontent, not just a temporary spike.

Gender and age: cracks where support fragments

Segmented analysis reveals deep divisions in how different groups perceive the president. Among men, he still maintains a positive balance with 51.5% approval versus 46% rejection. However, the gap reverses dramatically with women: disapproval jumps to 63.2%, leaving the favorable image at just 33%.

By age groups, the pattern is alarming. The 35 to 44-year-old group shows the highest rejection, at a strong 72.7%. The outlook is different among young people aged 25 to 34 and seniors (60 to 100 years), where approval reaches its best levels, exceeding 42 and 43 points respectively. This phenomenon suggests that Milei’s popularity continues to depend on a specific age base, with critical vulnerability in working-age sectors.

Electoral geography: Nuevo Cuyo as a stronghold against rejection in Buenos Aires

Geographical factors add another concerning dimension. In the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), historically leaning toward center-right options, disapproval reaches 66.1%. In the crucial Greater Buenos Aires (GBA), it stands at 56.7%. The only territory where the libertarian model remains solid is Nuevo Cuyo, where Milei has 61.1% approval, making it the main resistance stronghold.

This electoral geography of support reveals a risky concentration in specific regions, increasing the political vulnerability of the leader outside his traditional base.

The economic factor: unemployment and pessimism as anchors of rejection

The economic variable draws a clear dividing line. The only income segment that mostly approves is the highest income bracket: households earning more than $3,000,000 monthly support him at 54.4%. In contrast, strata earning less than $630,000 per month have a rejection rate of 62.9%.

This economic divide explains part of the erosion in popularity. 62% describe the overall economic situation as “bad,” while an overwhelming 77% share this view of the labor market. Domestically, 57% perceive their family economy as going through a bad time.

Future projections: a horizon without relief

Expectations for the future offer no relief. Looking six months ahead, 50% believe the overall economy will worsen even more. The outlook for employment is even more bleak: 55% anticipate future job deterioration. This lack of hope in microeconomics creates a challenging scenario for a government that urgently needs to rebuild its political capital and the popularity of Milei, which showed signs of strength in its early days.

The deterioration identified by Atlas Intel is not marginal but structural, affecting broad segments of society and consolidating rejection across geographies, generations, and income levels.