The PP has changed its stance on the diplomatic conflict opened between Spain and Argentina. Initially, the party criticized Pedro Sánchez for not reproaching the insults made by Argentine politician Javier Milei. However, on Monday, the PP condemned Milei’s comments made at an international far-right convention in Madrid. Vicesecretary Esteban González Pons stated that Milei’s speech was an interference in national politics, while party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo equated the rhetoric of both governments.
Milei’s remarks at the convention included harsh criticism of socialism and implied comments about Pedro Sánchez’s wife. Following Milei’s comments, the Spanish Foreign Minister called back the Spanish ambassador to Argentina, leading the PP to focus their criticism on Sánchez for his handling of corruption cases and for what they called an exaggerated reaction to Milei’s words. The PP, however, avoided condemning Milei directly until later, when they criticized his involvement in Spanish politics during his visit to Madrid.
The PP has balanced their criticisms to avoid backlash for not denouncing Milei’s words while also taking the opportunity to criticize Sánchez’s administration. Just days before the European elections, Feijóo presented the party’s program and accused Sánchez of lacking diplomacy and engaging in verbal escalation. Feijóo also pointed out past comments made by the Spanish Transport Minister accusing the Argentine president of drug use as the starting point of the conflict.
The election campaign has become a battleground between the PP and Sánchez’s government, with the PP presenting their program as a response to the current administration. They have emphasized the need for a clear electoral program rather than relying on propaganda and divisive tactics. The PP aims to make the European elections a referendum against Sánchez and has revived the issue of amnesty as a campaign weapon.
The PP’s strategy for the election campaign is focused on portraying themselves as the party with a clear program and vision for Europe, contrasting that with what they see as the divisive and ineffective leadership of Sánchez. With polls indicating a slight lead for the PP over the PSOE, the party is pushing for a strong showing in the upcoming elections. The ongoing diplomatic conflict with Argentina has added fuel to the campaign, with both sides using the situation to criticize each other’s actions.
