Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has sparked a diplomatic row with his visit to Madrid, Spain. Arriving at the Torrejón de Ardoz air base, Milei's presence has heightened tensions between the Spanish government led by Pedro Sánchez and the regional government of Madrid, headed by Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The conflict stems from Milei's previous derogatory remarks about Sánchez's wife and the refusal to apologize, leading to the withdrawal of the Spanish ambassador from Buenos Aires.
Despite the diplomatic strain, Díaz Ayuso plans to award Milei the International Medal of the Community of Madrid. This decision has been met with criticism from the Spanish government, which views it as a 'deep disloyalty.' The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, emphasized that Milei's visit is private, and there are no scheduled meetings with King Felipe VI or Prime Minister Sánchez.
The controversy intensified when the decree to award Milei the medal was published, highlighting the recognition and respect for representatives of other countries. The Spanish government officials, including the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, and the first vice president and Minister of Finance, María Jesús Montero, have condemned the award, labeling it as an illegal act aimed at provoking the central government.
Milei's visit to Spain has been marked by his continuous verbal attacks on the Spanish government. In a recent interview, he accused Sánchez of orchestrating a campaign against him, involving various ministers. Despite these provocations, the Spanish government has maintained protocol deference, allowing Milei's plane to land and ensuring his security during the visit.
The diplomatic crisis has led to a polarized response on social media, with calls for protests both supporting and opposing Milei's presence in Madrid. The Real Casa de Correos, the headquarters of the regional government, has been fenced off in anticipation of demonstrations. This visit marks Milei's second trip to Spain within 35 days, both times avoiding any official engagement with the Spanish Prime Minister.
- The decision to award Milei the International Medal of the Community of Madrid has been defended by the Popular Party, to which Díaz Ayuso belongs. They argue that the relationship between Spain and Argentina transcends individual leaders and should be preserved and protected.
- The diplomatic tension between Spain and Argentina has not deterred Milei from continuing his offensive rhetoric. In an interview with the Argentine channel Tele Noticias, Milei referred to Sánchez as a 'coward' and accused him of using his ministers to launch personal attacks. He also criticized Sánchez's approach to freedom of expression, comparing it to that of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- Despite the ongoing diplomatic spat, the Spanish government has chosen not to escalate the situation by obstructing Milei's visit. This approach aims to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations, even as Milei continues to provoke with his statements.
- The public reaction in Spain has been mixed, with social media platforms buzzing with both support and opposition to Milei's visit. The situation remains volatile, with potential for public demonstrations in Madrid, reflecting the deep divisions within Spanish society regarding the handling of this diplomatic incident.
