President Javier Milei of Argentina will receive the International Medal of the Community of Madrid on Friday despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between Spain and Argentina.
The Community of Madrid, represented by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, bestows this accolade to honor international leaders for their institutional efforts.
Milei, however, has ridiculed Spain’s President, Pedro Sánchez, and likened him negatively to former president of Argentina Nicolás Maduro on several occasions. Milei’s criticism of Sánchez has been ongoing.
Milei is expected to meet with Ayuso, but his agenda does not appear to include meetings with other important officials in Spain, such as King Felipe VI, President Sánchez, or the head of the Popular Party PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo.
The timing of his visit is especially sensitive given that on May 19, Milei, together with the Spanish Vox Party, staged a demonstration in Madrid where Milei accused Sanchez’s wife Begoña Gómez of corruption.
As a result, the Sánchez administration recalled its ambassador from Buenos Aires. The remarks created hostility between Argentina and Spain, leading to the present serious diplomatic crisis.
Nevertheless, the Juan de Mariana Institute, which will also give Milei a prize, is arranging a special tour of Madrid for Milei to launch his European trip.