Argentine President Javier Milei made his sixth trip to Madrid since taking office, once again avoiding meetings with Spain’s government or the king. Instead, he used his appearance at CEU San Pablo University’s summer courses to deliver a forceful defense of Israel, describing the country as a “bastion of the West” amid growing international isolation over its actions in Gaza and conflicts with Lebanon and Iran. His Spanish visits have repeatedly served as platforms for political argument rather than conventional bilateral engagements, as he promotes support for Israel and liberal economic ideas while criticizing Spain’s Socialist government.
Speaking before an audience of 300, largely from Christian backgrounds, Milei argued that left-wing groups and terrorists oppose Israel because of its Western values. The statement was met with silence, while other parts of his speech, including criticism of socialism and his claim that Karl Marx’s writings were “satanic,” drew applause. Milei presented himself as a proponent of a capitalist interpretation of Judaism, distancing his views from traditional Catholic social doctrine.
Referencing the Torah, Milei asserted that free-market capitalism aligns with Judeo-Christian values and is embedded in the “tablets of the law.” He dismissed social justice as mere envy and rhetoric, arguing that charity should be voluntary, not enforced by the state. In his view, state-imposed redistribution through taxation amounts to theft disguised as altruism. His broader economic message in Spain is to reduce the state’s role, cut taxes and remove regulatory barriers.
The Argentine leader previewed his upcoming book, ‘La moral como política de Estado’, arguing that capitalism is economically efficient and morally superior. He rejected the idea of market failures as an “aberration,” casting life and liberty as the highest moral values while giving private property the same standing. Milei’s speech blended ultraliberal economic proposals with ultraconservative principles. He warned that laws permitting abortion or euthanasia are illegitimate if they conflict with natural law, regardless of their legal status. His position on abortion echoes earlier remarks challenging Argentina’s policy: Law No. 27,610, enacted in December 2020, established a statutory structure for access to voluntary termination of pregnancy. In a 2025 address to the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina, Milei linked abortion policy to family policy and falling birth rates.
Unlike during his previous visit, when he triggered a diplomatic crisis by calling the Spanish prime minister’s wife “corrupt,” Milei avoided direct confrontation with Pedro Sánchez. He alluded to political scandals, but, referring to hypothetical cases involving missing millions or jewelry and making veiled remarks about politicians’ spouses. The 2024 dispute had concrete diplomatic consequences: Spain summoned Argentina’s ambassador, recalled its ambassador for consultations and later withdrew the envoy after Milei refused to retract the accusation against Begoña Gómez. Spain restored ambassadorial-level representation in Buenos Aires in October 2024, without a public apology from Milei. Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, said the remarks warranted a formal complaint and a demand for rectification.
Milei also addressed criticism of his approach to anarcho-capitalism, noting that leaders face many constraints. He pointed to his record of repealing 16,000 regulations in two years, an average of 17 per day. Deregulation has been basic to his presidency, with Decree 70/2023 a major instrument in his programme to reshape Argentina’s economy. Milei argued that excessive regulation is stifling growth in European countries.
The event drew several Vox deputies, including José María Figaredo, Carlos Hernández Quero, and José María Sánchez. Party leader Santiago Abascal was absent after meeting Milei earlier in the week. Vox has adopted deregulation policies inspired by Milei and established a deregulation vice presidency in coalition governments with the PP. The PP was represented by Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, and economic vice secretary Juan Bravo, among others. PP sources said Milei had no scheduled meeting with party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo because of agenda conflicts.
As is customary during his international trips, Milei received an honor, this time the medal of honor from CEU San Pablo University. The presence of Vox and PP figures at the event reflects the ongoing political realignment on the Spanish right, a dynamic also seen in recent regional negotiations, including coverage of Vox’s role in Andalusia’s government talks.
Spain and Argentina have experienced diplomatic strains in recent years, often linked to Milei’s outspoken style and controversial statements. CEU San Pablo University, affiliated with the Asociación Católica de Propagandistas, is known for hosting conservative figures. Milei’s repeated visits to Spain, alongside his refusal to engage with official state representatives, continue to draw attention to shifting alliances and ideological divides within Spanish politics.
