The dispute between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Argentine President Javier Milei continues to escalate, with La Moncloa prepared to go to great lengths to maintain pressure on Milei. While they are not considering the drastic measure of breaking diplomatic relations, they are determined to make Milei rectify his actions. Milei’s camp remains adamant that he will not back down, but Sánchez believes he has the upper hand in this situation. The support for Sánchez is coming from unexpected sources, including major Spanish companies, who have expressed explicit rejection of Milei’s comments made during a Vox rally in Madrid.
Sánchez is taking advantage of this conflict to politically position the upcoming European elections as a battle between progressives and the far-right. He has hinted at the possibility of taking even harsher measures than those already implemented, such as calling the Spanish ambassador to consultations and meeting with the Argentine ambassador to express Spanish discontent and demand apologies. However, the specific nature of these harsher measures remains vague, especially if Milei confirms his planned visit to Spain at the end of June. Sánchez has made this issue a top priority on his political agenda, demanding respect from Milei and emphasizing the strong bond between Spain and Argentina.
The Argentine government insists that it is the Spanish government that should apologize to Milei, rather than the other way around. Milei, on the other hand, shows no signs of backing down, as he continues to make provocative statements targeting Sánchez and his wife. The crisis has expanded beyond just a government dispute, as major Spanish companies and business leaders are also speaking out against Milei’s behavior. Sánchez, keen on highlighting the dangers of the far-right rising to power in Europe, not only criticizes Milei but also accuses Vox leader Santiago Abascal of inciting political violence against socialists.
The ongoing crisis underscores the underlying tensions between the political ideologies represented by Sánchez and Milei, as well as the broader implications for Spanish-Argentinian relations. Sánchez emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect and cordiality between the two countries, while also asserting the democratic values at stake. The involvement of major Spanish companies and business leaders adds a new dimension to the conflict, highlighting the impact Milei’s actions have had across various sectors. As the dispute continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how both parties will navigate the complexities of international diplomacy and political discourse.
