No friend to Socialism, Milei is also not afraid of controversy.
Argentine President Javier Milei made a return visit to Spain on Friday, weeks after his previous trip contributed to a growing diplomatic rift between the two historically allied nations. Milei’s latest visit, like his earlier one in May, was marked by the absence of scheduled meetings with high-ranking Spanish officials, indicating its private nature. The Argentine presidential office did not categorize the visit as an official state engagement, and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed its private status.
The Spanish absolutely love Javier Milei. He just arrived in Madrid and this is the reception he got. pic.twitter.com/WMN6C38R46
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) June 21, 2024
During his stay, Milei met with Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the influential right-wing regional president of Madrid and a notable critic of Spain’s socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. This meeting follows a pattern from Milei’s last visit when he engaged only with major opponents of Sánchez, including members of the hard-right, anti-immigrant Vox party. At that time, Milei openly accused the Spanish Prime Minister’s wife of corruption and labeled socialism as a “cursed and carcinogenic” ideology.
This ongoing confrontation led to Spain’s decision to recall its ambassador from Buenos Aires, a move Milei mockingly dismissed as “nonsense typical of an arrogant socialist.” Since assuming the presidency in December, Milei, who describes himself as an anarcho-capitalist, has been known for his forthright manner and contentious remarks, sparking several diplomatic conflicts.
🇦🇷🤝🇪🇸
Thousands of Spanish citizens erupt in cheers as Argentinan President Javier Milei makes a balcony appearance during his visit to Madrid.
The Argentinian leader @JMilei appeared on the balcony with Isabel Díaz Ayuso- President of the Community of Madrid. pic.twitter.com/2fjkFskzFa
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 21, 2024
The friction with Spain poses potential economic risks for Argentina, particularly given Milei’s efforts to address the country’s severe inflation issues. Spain ranks as Argentina’s second-largest foreign investor, following the United States, with Spanish businesses investing approximately 140 million euros in 2022. The relationship is also marked by significant expatriate communities, with around 495,000 Spaniards residing in Argentina and 97,000 Argentines living in Spain.
Following his visit to Spain, Milei was scheduled to travel to Germany and then to the Czech Republic. His itinerary in Germany initially included a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, another center-left leader whose political approach sharply contrasts with Milei’s. However, plans for military honors and a joint news conference in Germany were subsequently canceled.
Argentinian President Javier Milei cries and gets emotional as a painting of him is unveiled.
The painting has been gifted to the leader by the Instituto Juan de Mariana during Milei’s visit to Madrid, Spain. pic.twitter.com/LGUjq6SoSp
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 22, 2024
Scholz’s spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, noted that Milei’s visit to Germany would be brief and was specifically requested by the Argentine president. He also mentioned Milei’s explicit refusal to participate in a press conference, emphasizing the brief and work-focused nature of the visit. This series of international engagements underscores the complexities and challenges Milei faces as he navigates both domestic economic issues and strained foreign relations.
Major Points
- Argentine President Javier Milei revisited Spain, causing further tension in the already strained relationship between the two countries.
- Milei’s visit was private and did not include official meetings with top Spanish leaders, similar to his previous trip.
- He met with Madrid’s right-wing regional president, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, continuing his pattern of engaging with critics of Spain’s socialist government.
- The diplomatic fallout from his outspoken comments includes Spain withdrawing its ambassador from Buenos Aires.
- Milei is scheduled for subsequent visits to Germany and the Czech Republic, with a brief, controversy-tinged visit planned in Germany.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
