Argentine President Javier Milei requested an audience with the King last month, during a diplomatic crisis with Spain, while continuing to insult the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. Milei requested an audience with Felipe VI on the occasion of his visit to Madrid to receive an award from the Juan de Mariana Institute, a neoliberal think tank. However, his attempt to create a rift between the head of state and the president of the government did not succeed, as the audience with the Argentine head of state is not on the King’s agenda. The government has emphasized that foreign policy is the exclusive competence of the government.
Even though Milei did not secure an audience with the King, he will be received by the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, who has decided to award him the International Medal of the autonomous community. The government has decided to maintain protocol deference towards the Argentine head of state during his visit, despite his repeated insults towards Pedro Sánchez. Despite previous insults, the government has not wanted to escalate the diplomatic crisis by hindering Milei’s visit. The Foreign Minister had previously announced a review of the facilities given to the Argentine president after his insults, which led to the withdrawal of the Spanish ambassador in Buenos Aires.
Milei has continued his attacks on the Spanish president, referring to him as a “coward” and likening his actions to those of Nicolás Maduro. He also criticized the government’s handling of freedom of expression and highlighted the perceived double standards in response to his own behavior. The new insults from Milei towards Sánchez came after a warning from the Spanish government spokesperson to maintain respect towards the people of Spain and its institutions. Despite the controversy, Milei’s visit to Madrid aims to receive recognition for his defense of freedom-related ideas from the Juan de Mariana Institute.
In addition to Ayuso, other leaders have also honored Milei, recognizing his contributions to their respective countries. Milei’s visit to Madrid is part of a larger European tour that includes stops in Hamburg and Prague, where he will receive further accolades. However, a scheduled meeting with the German Chancellor has been canceled. The visits and awards received by Milei are part of a strategy to showcase his profile and ideas on an international stage, despite his controversial remarks and actions in Argentina. The recognition he receives from different countries and organizations highlights the diversity of perspectives on his leadership and policies.
Despite the short time he has been in office, Milei’s trips abroad and the recognition he receives reflect a president looking to establish his presence on a global scale. His engagements with different leaders and institutions show a willingness to engage internationally and promote his ideas beyond Argentina. The controversies surrounding his visit to Madrid and his interactions with Spanish political figures highlight the complexities of diplomatic relations and the challenges of navigating international politics while maintaining domestic support.
