- Spain and Argentina clash over diplomatic remarks and political stances
- Spanish government rejects Argentine president’s accusations, stresses fraternal ties
- Argentine president avoids meeting Spanish PM amid ideological differences
Spain and Argentina have engaged in a scathing exchange of diplomatic jabs regarding drug use and economic decline.
The dispute commenced on Friday when Oscar Puente, the Spanish Minister of Transport, made an implication during a panel discussion in Salamanca that Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, had consumed “substances” during his campaign for office last year.
“I saw Milei on television” during the campaign, Puente declared at a conference of the Socialist Party.
“I cannot say whether it occurred prior to or subsequent to the ingestion of substances.”
Milei was also included on his list of “extremely bad people” who have attained high office.
Saturday, in response to the remarks, Milei’s office issued a statement condemning them and criticizing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Sanchez was accused in the statement of “endangering Spanish women by permitting illegal immigration,” “undermining Spain’s integrity by negotiating with separatists,” and “bringing about death and poverty” through his left-wing policies.
Spain responded indignantly.
The Spanish foreign ministry stated, “The Spanish government categorically rejects the unfounded statements… which do not reflect the relations between the two countries and their fraternal people.”
“Take a step towards financial freedom – claim your free Webull shares now!”
As a desire shared by all of Spanish society, the government and the Spanish people will continue to maintain and strengthen their fraternal ties, friendships, and collaborative relationships with the Argentine people,” the statement continued.
The dispute arose two weeks before the “anarcho-capitalist” president of Argentina’s visit to Spain.
By attending an event hosted by the far-right Vox party, Milei will avoid meeting Sanchez, the socialist leader of Spain’s government.
They have never maintained amicable relations.
Sanchez, who backed Sergio Massa, Milei’s opponent, in the December election that propelled Milei to power, has not communicated with Milei since the outcome of the election.
In the interim, Milei has openly endorsed the far-right anti-immigration Vox party in Spain. Santiago Abascal, the chairman of the Vox, accompanied Milei to Buenos Aires for her investiture.
