New Argentine President Javier Milei has been in the news over his "unconventional" reforms, which have been described by his critics as unpopular. Since Argentina has been battling galloping inflation and other macroeconomic issues, Milei has been doing whatever he deems fit to repair the "ailing economy". As part of the same, he has sacked 5,000 government employees who were recruited as contract workers.
And he has also banned freebies. "Milei considers the use of the word 'free' a lie and feels citizens shouldn’t be lied to since the services are always paid by someone, typically tax dollars," a financial analyst wrote.
"Freebies are never free" is something everyone voting for freebies must know in India. Governments promise free bus rides, free power, free water and many other amenities to woo the middle-class and poor. Within five years, the State's exchequer gets overburdened by fat bills. And, to increase revenues, taxes are increased. "You get a free bus ride on the one hand and you end up paying more for grains, vegetables, and groceries after a hike in fuel tax. What is the point?" an economist once said.
States like Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have already suffered from the freebie culture. Karnataka and Telangana will be affected if freebies continue to be distributed indiscriminately.
