During the last decade, Argentina has experienced one of the largest exoduses in its recent history. According to a report from the Chief of Cabinet of Ministers, between 2013 and 2023 approximately 1,803,000 Argentines left the country.
The official data, prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, confirm that the main destinations were Spain, United States, and Italy, followed by Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Israel, Mexico, and Germany.
In this context, the profile of an average Argentine who left the country during those years is clear: young professionals with university degrees, entrepreneurs, and families who decided to seek abroad the opportunities that Kirchnerism denied them in their birthplace.
Cola en el aeropuerto.
The exodus trend became consolidated during the years of the Kirchnerist administration (2003-2015), and increased sharply again during the last administration of Alberto Fernández and Cristina Kirchner.
This period was marked by recurrent economic crises, uncontrolled inflation, growing insecurity, corruption, and a deep deterioration in quality of life. Many of those who left did not do so by choice, but out of necessity, escaping from a model that destroyed their futures and their trust in the country.
The rejection of Kirchnerism by the Argentine diaspora is demonstrated in every presidential election, especially the most recent one, in which Javier Milei won the presidency. According to data from the overseas vote, in 2023, Javier Milei swept with 74.4%, compared to just 25.5% for the Kirchnerist Sergio Massa. Cities such as Miami, Santiago de Chile, Madrid, Barcelona, and Montevideo concentrated the largest number of voters, using the single paper ballot system that the country will implement in 2026.
Cristina Kirchner, condenada por corrupción.
A change in trend thanks to Milei
However, with Milei's arrival at the Casa Rosada, something is changing. The libertarian administration has managed to significantly reduce inflation, lower poverty, and generate substantial economic growth, leaving the impoverishing Kirchnerist model in the past. This has not only improved the internal situation, but is also generating a phenomenon that seemed unthinkable just a year ago: more and more Argentines abroad are seriously considering the possibility of returning, and many have already returned.
Testimonies from Argentines abroad already show families who are exploring opportunities in the country, attracted by Milei's reforms and by the expectation of sustained recovery. If Kirchnerism was synonymous with brain drain, Milei seeks for this new stage to be one of return and reconstruction.
