Spain condemns Milei’s insults against Sánchez and what it calls a Wednesday call for violence, reaffirming its rejection of interference and attacks on elected institutions

Spain’s foreign ministry condemned Argentine President Javier Milei’s insults and alleged defamatory remarks against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain and its citizens. It also denounced what it described as Milei’s call for the use of violence on Wednesday, saying Spain is a sovereign nation that rejects outside interference and attacks on its democratically elected institutions.

The diplomatic dispute followed Milei’s remarks at a business forum in Madrid, where he called Sánchez an “unpresentable dictator” and accused him of being a criminal and a thief. The ministry said it was unworthy for the head of a friendly country to visit Spain solely to foster polarization and violence.

After Milei repeatedly used “leftie” as an insult, Sánchez wrote on X that he was proud to be one.

Tensions between the two leaders date back to Milei taking office in December 2023. He has visited Spain multiple times without meeting Sánchez, a pattern the post describes as unusual and one that has continually contributed to diplomatic friction between the two governments.