President Javier Milei of Argentina is set to visit Madrid for the second time in less than 35 days, aiming to receive awards and recognition from various institutions. However, his efforts to secure a meeting with King Felipe VI of Spain have been unsuccessful. This visit comes amid a diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Spain, sparked by Milei's previous derogatory remarks about Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his wife.
During his stay in Madrid, Milei will be awarded the international medal of the Community of Madrid by regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Additionally, he will receive an award from the Juan de Mariana Institute, a private institution promoting liberal thought. Despite these honors, the Spanish Royal Family has confirmed that a meeting between Milei and King Felipe VI is not on the agenda, citing protocol and diplomatic channels as reasons.
The diplomatic tension between Argentina and Spain escalated last month when the Spanish government withdrew its ambassador from Buenos Aires following Milei's comments at a Vox event, where he referred to Sánchez's wife as 'corrupt.' The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that any request for a meeting with the King should be communicated through proper diplomatic channels.
Milei's visit to Spain has been a point of contention within the Spanish political landscape. The decision by Díaz Ayuso to honor Milei has been criticized by the left-wing coalition government of Pedro Sánchez, with accusations of 'disloyalty' and institutional discord. The socialist spokesperson in the Madrid Assembly, Juan Lobato, criticized Díaz Ayuso for awarding a medal to someone who 'insults and attacks Spain.'
Despite the ongoing diplomatic rift, the Spanish government has decided to maintain protocol deference towards Milei, allowing his official plane to land at the Torrejón de Ardoz air base and providing the necessary security arrangements. This decision underscores the complexities of international diplomacy and the balancing act required to manage such crises.
Milei's European tour, which includes stops in Hamburg and Prague, is designed to bolster his international profile and garner support for his neoliberal policies. While he has not secured a meeting with King Felipe VI, Milei's visit to Madrid and the subsequent awards reflect his growing influence and the contentious nature of his political stance.
- The diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Spain has been exacerbated by Milei's continued attacks on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. In a recent interview, Milei referred to Sánchez as a 'coward' and accused him of orchestrating a campaign of insults against him.
- Milei's visit to Madrid is part of a broader European tour aimed at strengthening his political alliances and receiving recognition for his advocacy of liberal economic policies. Following his stay in Madrid, Milei will travel to Hamburg to be honored by the Hayek Association and then to Prague to receive an award from the Czech Liberal Institute.
- Despite the diplomatic tensions, the Spanish government has opted not to escalate the crisis further by obstructing Milei's visit. However, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing international relations and the impact of political rhetoric on diplomatic ties.
