The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has taken a new step in the diplomatic crisis with Argentina by summoning the Argentine ambassador to Spain, Roberto Bosch, to his ministry’s headquarters on Monday morning. Albares will reiterate the demand for the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, to apologize for the attacks he made on Sunday in Madrid against the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, and his wife, Begoña Gómez. The Argentine government has already made it clear that they do not intend to offer apologies. The Spanish government has announced that they will take appropriate measures if the apologies are not received. The Popular Party (PP) has changed its position, now stating that Milei’s comments are an interference in national politics, but also criticizing the Spanish government for overreacting.
This escalation of the diplomatic crisis with Argentina is evidenced by the summoning of the Argentine ambassador, a rare move that is typically handled by high-ranking officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This action comes after the indefinite recall of the Spanish ambassador to Buenos Aires, leaving the Spanish Embassy in Argentina without a head indefinitely. Several members of the Argentine government have indicated that Milei has no intention of apologizing, including the spokesperson for the Presidency, Manuel Adorni, who stated that there will be no apology.
In response to Milei’s controversial comments attacking Sánchez and his wife, various Argentine government officials, including the Minister of the Interior, Guillermo Francos, have dismissed the idea of issuing apologies. They believe that Milei did not specifically mention Sánchez’s wife in his remarks and in turn feel that Spain owes an apology. The Argentine government views the situation as a disagreement with the Spanish Prime Minister rather than a crisis with Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Milei’s remarks as a frontal attack on institutions and a violation of international norms, particularly given the courtesies extended to him during his visit.
The Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment with the Popular Party for not defending Spanish institutions and demanded apologies from Vox leaders who applauded Milei’s insults. Albares emphasized that the efforts to keep Milei safe during his visit to Spain were made in good faith, despite no scheduled meetings with Spanish authorities. The Minister also criticized the lack of support from the PP and Vox for Spanish institutions. The PP has adjusted its response to Milei’s comments, acknowledging them as an interference in national politics but maintaining that the government’s reaction is excessive.
As the diplomatic crisis continues, the Spanish government has not yet revealed what further actions they will take if Milei refuses to apologize. They have, however, stated that any measures will not impact Argentine citizens. Milei is scheduled to return to Spain in a month to receive an award from the Juan de Mariana Institute, and the Spanish government may not offer the same courtesies as on his current visit. The situation remains tense as both countries stand their ground on the issue of apologies and the interference in each other’s internal affairs.
