Argentina’s far-right president, Javier Milei, branded Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a “dictator” while in Madrid on Wednesday. He also urged Spanish voters to remove the Socialist leader in the upcoming elections.
The remark was the latest in a long run of personal attacks by Milei against his political rival. It drew condemnation from the Spanish government, which described his conduct as “external interference, attacks and insults.”
Milei’s speech at a Madrid economic forum
Speaking at an economic forum in the Spanish capital, Milei said Spaniards were living under what he called a “disgraceful dictator.” He told his audience to throw the Socialists out, arguing that Spain was the cradle of liberalism.
Milei also called Sanchez a “thief” and “corrupt.” The prime minister is dealing with graft investigations that have affected relatives and former senior Socialist figures. Sanchez has consistently defended the integrity of his government and the source of his party’s funding.
Milei did not meet Sanchez during the trip. It was one of several unofficial visits he has made to Spain, which he has used to criticise the leftist government and appear alongside the right-wing opposition.
Spain’s foreign ministry condemns calls for violence
Spain’s foreign ministry accused Milei of “external interference, attacks and insults” against Sanchez, as well as a “call for the use of violence.” In a statement, the ministry said it was shameful that the leader of a sister nation would visit Spain with the sole aim of fostering polarisation and violence.
Sanchez, who has gained a reputation as a global progressive figure through his clashes with US President Donald Trump and Israel, now faces a difficult political test. His eight-year premiership is at risk ahead of the November 29 general election.
The Socialists have used Milei in their campaign to rally left-wing voters against what they describe as a “reactionary international.” They point to the Argentine leader’s sweeping public spending cuts, which are symbolised by a chainsaw.
Vox and the Popular Party ahead of the vote
The main opposition Popular Party (PP) is predicted to win the most seats but without a majority. That could give far-right Vox the decisive role in forming the next government.
During his visit, Milei met figures from Vox and Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the PP leader of the Madrid region who is a sharp critic of Sanchez. He praised Vox leader Santiago Abascal and Ayuso as “friends,” saying they had “sound, positive ideas for pulling Spain out of its decline.”
Milei also held a video call with Abascal, during which the pair joked about the insults against Sanchez and the reaction to them, according to footage posted on social media. Sanchez responded at a campaign rally in the northern city of Burgos on Wednesday, contrasting Spain’s economic growth with cuts in Argentina.
The row has a precedent. In 2024, a diplomatic crisis erupted after Milei called Sanchez’s wife, Begona Gomez, “corrupt,” and Madrid recalled its ambassador to Argentina for months.
