Argentina's President Milei Slams Spanish PM Sánchez in Heated Madrid Speech
During a visit to Madrid for the Economic Forum on Sunday, Argentina’s President Javier Milei launched a scathing verbal attack against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, branding him a "crook" in a speech marked by bold language and clear political confrontation.
A Renewed Feud Between Leaders
The verbal sparring between Milei and Sánchez is by no means new. The animosity traces back to accusations of corruption directed at Sánchez’s wife by Milei last year, which resulted in Spain withdrawing its ambassador from Argentina in protest.
Amid the electric atmosphere of the libertarian-leaning Madrid Economic Forum, where cryptocurrency advocates gathered, Milei didn’t hold back. With rock music energizing the crowd and supporters shouting insults at Sánchez, Milei fired a fresh salvo.
“If you want to rough up the local crook too, I’ve got no problem with it,” he asserted, explicitly referring to Sánchez. Later, responding to chants of "We need you here!" from attendees, Milei doubled down against the Spanish leader’s political faction, using explicit language to dismiss them, earning thunderous applause.
Political Backdrop and Ongoing Controversies
At the time of the speech, Spanish authorities had yet to respond to these harsh remarks. The timing was notable, coming just hours after tens of thousands gathered in Madrid to protest perceived corruption within Sánchez’s administration. Key figures close to Sánchez, including his wife and brother, are under investigation on various corruption charges—though these probes are fiercely denounced by Sánchez as partisan attacks.
Milei’s Economic Vision Takes Center Stage
Since assuming office in December 2023, Milei has championed radical economic reforms aimed at reviving Argentina’s faltering economy through austerity and deregulation. Despite recording the nation’s first budget surplus in over a decade, challenges like soaring inflation, job losses, and dwindling consumer spending continue to generate public concern.
At the forum, Milei passionately defended his administration’s agenda:
- Exceeded campaign goals within a year and a half despite skepticism.
- Achieved a sharp five-point economic adjustment in just one month.
- Expressed confidence that his freedom-based model is yielding tangible results.
He boldly projected that by 2026, inflation will be eradicated in Argentina, and foresaw the country emerging as a global powerhouse within four decades.
Defiant Stance on Media and Political Allies
True to form, Milei also took aim at the press, accusing "corrupt journalists" of spreading misleading news and lamenting the scarcity of genuine reporting in Argentina.
His European tour included notable meetings, such as with the Pope in Rome, and talks with Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s far-right Vox party. However, no encounter with Prime Minister Sánchez was planned. He also met Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia, who has been exiled in Spain.
What Lies Ahead?
Milei’s outspoken rhetoric signals a continuation of tense relations with Spain at the highest political levels. Meanwhile, his ambitious economic reforms remain under close scrutiny both domestically and abroad. As Argentina navigates these turbulent waters, the world watches on.
