Argentine President Javier Milei launched another harsh verbal attack on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his visit to Madrid on Sunday. Speaking at an economic forum, Milei called Sánchez a “crook” and continued to express his strong opposition to socialism.

Milei Renews Attacks on Sánchez

During his fiery speech, Milei shouted “death to socialism”, according to the Buenos Aires Times. His comments escalated an already tense conflict with Sánchez. The dispute started last year when Milei accused Sánchez’s wife of corruption. In response, Spain pulled its ambassador from Argentina.

Harsh Words at Economic Forum

Milei delivered his speech at the Madrid Economic Forum, a libertarian gathering linked to the cryptocurrency world. Rock music played loudly as Milei addressed the crowd. Some audience members shouted insults at Sánchez. Milei, reacting to the crowd, said, “If you want to rough up the local crook too, I’ve got no problem with it,” referring to the Spanish Prime Minister.

Audience Support and Applause

As he spoke about his economic plans, some in the crowd shouted, “We need you here!” Milei responded, “I will always be on your side when it comes to opposing the socialist scum,” and followed it with an expletive about Sánchez’s party. The audience reacted with loud applause.

No Official Response from Spain

By late Sunday, Spanish officials had not responded to Milei’s remarks, as reported by the Buenos Aires Times.

Anti-Government Protest in Madrid

Just hours before Milei's speech, tens of thousands of people joined a protest in Madrid. The opposition led the rally, accusing Sánchez’s government of corruption. Sánchez’s wife, brother, and a former aide are all under investigation in different cases. Sánchez dismissed the claims as a right-wing smear campaign.

Milei Defends His Economic Policies

Milei, who became president in December 2023, has promised to fix Argentina’s weak economy through spending cuts and deregulation. His administration recently achieved Argentina’s first budget surplus in over 10 years. However, inflation, job losses, and a drop in consumer spending have caused public concern.

Speaking at the forum, Milei said, “Our goals were very ambitious. They said it was impossible, and now, after a year-and-a-half, we have exceeded all our campaign goals. They told us it was impossible to make a five-point adjustment in a month, and we did it.”

He added, “The model is definitely working. Therefore, what I want to leave you with is the testimony that the ideas of freedom work.”

Milei continued, “We know what needs to be done, we know how to do it. Therefore, let us not lack the courage to do it, because we are the ones who can get everyone back on their feet.” The audience applauded his statements.

Bold Predictions About Argentina’s Future

Milei claimed that “by 2026, inflation in Argentina will be a thing of the past.” He also said, “Today, Argentina has embraced the path of growth. In 40 years, it will be the world’s leading power, without a doubt.”

Milei Targets the Media

Milei, known for not holding press conferences, once again criticized journalists. He accused the media of spreading lies, saying, “We don’t have enough real journalists.” Milei arrived in Madrid on Saturday from Rome, where he met Pope Leo XIV. The trip is part of his 10-day tour of Europe and Israel. In Madrid, he also met with Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s far-right Vox party and a close political ally. No meeting is planned with Prime Minister Sánchez. On Sunday, he also spoke with Edmundo González Urrutia, a Venezuelan opposition leader living in exile in Spain since September.