An informal meeting took place in Buenos Aires between Argentine President Javier Milei and Madrid regional leader Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Ayuso visited the Argentine leader’s residence, known as Casa Rosada, shortly after her brief vacation in Uruguay. The meeting lasted just over an hour. Despite the personal nature of the visit, Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno also joined the conversation.
The main topic of discussion was the situation in Venezuela, which returned to the spotlight following recent events surrounding the detention of Nicolás Maduro. The meeting occurred amid the cooling relationship between Argentina and Spain, giving the talks additional political significance. Ayuso and Milei openly expressed their mutual appreciation and stressed the importance of further cooperation between Madrid and Buenos Aires.
Political backdrop
A symbolic moment at the meeting was the presence of the famous chainsaw, which has become the unofficial emblem of Milei’s reform agenda and fight against bureaucracy. In photos released after their talks, both leaders pose with the chainsaw, underlining their determination for change. Nevertheless, behind this show of unity lies a complex political reality: Argentina and Spain remain at odds after Pedro Sánchez recalled his ambassador from Buenos Aires in mid-2024.
Unlike the central Spanish government, Ayuso is forging her own path of dialogue with Argentina. She is one of the few Spanish politicians maintaining close ties with Milei, alongside Vox party leader Santiago Abascal. This not only highlights her independence but also demonstrates the difference in approaches between Madrid and Moncloa.
The Venezuelan Issue
The main topic of discussion was the situation in Venezuela, which returned to the spotlight following major events early this year. Milei, known for his support of Donald Trump and his hardline stance toward Latin American autocracies, was among the first to approve US actions and the detention of Maduro. In his public statements he hasn’t held back, calling Maduro a ‘narco-dictator’ and accusing him of attempting to interfere in elections across the continent.
Ayuso, in turn, expressed solidarity with the Argentine leader and underscored the importance of safeguarding democratic values. The meeting included discussions on supporting Venezuela’s opposition and opportunities for joint action on the international stage. Special attention was given to Venezuela’s upcoming elections and the role European and Latin American partners could play.
Diplomatic Nuances
Relations between Spain and Argentina have been strained in recent years. Madrid’s decision to recall its ambassador marked the peak of a lingering conflict in which the personal sympathies and antipathies of the leaders play a significant role. Against this backdrop, the meeting between Ayuso and Milei appears to be an attempt to establish alternative channels of dialogue, bypassing official diplomatic structures.
On social media, Ayuso thanked Milei for the warm welcome and emphasized that relations between Spain and Argentina should be built on mutual respect and a commitment to the future of both democracies. Her words clearly hinted at disagreements with Spain’s central government, which favors a more cautious approach toward Buenos Aires.
Prospects for cooperation
Despite all the challenges, both sides expressed readiness to further develop economic, social, and cultural ties. During their conversation, they discussed not only political issues but also opportunities for joint projects in education, business, and innovation. Milei and Ayuso stressed that cooperation between Madrid and Argentina could serve as an example for other regions where political differences do not prevent the pursuit of common interests.
Overall, the meeting in Buenos Aires was a highlight in the ongoing series of events shaping the new framework of relations between Spain and Latin America. Against a backdrop of global change and regional crises, such personal encounters take on added significance, with figures like Ayuso and Milei emerging as symbols of new political alliances.
