President Javier Milei’s trip to Madrid has fueled international political tensions after he called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez a “dictator” and suggested that his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva, could attempt to “steal” his country’s presidential election on Sunday.

Milei also made hostile remarks toward a Spanish journalist who asked whether his visit, intended to show support for the far right ahead of Spain’s November 29 snap elections, had made parties in that political camp “uncomfortable.” He said such a suggestion could only come from someone who was “intellectually limited.”

The remarks add another chapter to Milei’s already strained relations with the governments of Spain and Brazil. The Argentine president has repeatedly insulted and harshly criticized Sánchez and Lula.

Speaking at a business event organized by the Nueva Economía Forum, Milei called Sánchez a “disgraceful dictator” and compared him to Argentina’s center-left Kirchnerist movement, describing both as “the fruit of the sinister 21st-century socialism.”

He also urged Spaniards to “kick socialists out” in the November elections, which will renew the country’s parliament. The newly elected lawmakers will then vote for a new national leader, potentially replacing Sánchez if his party does not secure a majority.

By contrast, Milei praised far-right leaders Santiago Abascal, of the Vox party, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid and a member of the Partido Popular (PP), saying they have “healthy and positive ideas” and can bring “greater well-being” to Spaniards.

Following Milei’s remarks, Sánchez posted a photo on X of his phone showing that he was listening to Fanático (Fanatic), a song by Argentine pop singer Lali Espósito written in response to Milei’s frequent criticism of her and her political views. 

The song has become an anthem for many of Milei’s opponents in Argentina.

“Since I’m in the car on my way to Burgos, I’m listening to this Argentine........

© Buenos Aires Herald