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Argentina's Javier Milei calls Spanish Prime Minister ‘local bandit' in latest war of words

Argentina's Javier Milei calls Spanish Prime Minister ‘local bandit' in latest war of words

Independent3 days ago

Argentina 's President Javier Milei has ignited a fresh diplomatic tiff after verbally attacking Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at a recent event in Madrid.
During the Madrid Economic Forum on Sunday, Milei, without directly naming Sanchez, called for "clobbering the local bandit." The comment recalls a similar incident last year that led to a diplomatic fallout between the two nations.
Sanchez's office has so far declined to comment on the remarks. Milei, a libertarian and former TV pundit, assumed office in late 2023 and has become known for his unconventional stances and dramatic gestures, including once smashing a pinata of the central bank on live television.
In May 2024, Milei called Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez"corrupt" at another event in Madrid. The comment led to a diplomatic spat, with the Spanish government withdrawing its ambassador from Buenos Aires for several months when Milei refused to apologise.
Milei subsequently doubled down calling Sanchez "arrogant", "totalitarian" and a "coward", although Argentina kept its ambassador in Madrid.

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