Argentina’s Milei says Europe ‘sinking’ ahead of France trip

President Javier Milei of Argentina has expressed concerns about Europe's future in an interview ahead of his visit to France. In a bleak assessment, Milei claimed Europe was "sinking" due to overregulation, migration issues, and the influence of "wokeism". The Argentine president argued that Europeans had come to dislike his ally, former US President Donald Trump, for his frank statements about Europe's state of decline.

Milei highlighted far-right leaders like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as the few politicians who understood the dire situation in Europe. He aligned Argentina with the US and Israel, citing their embodiment of Western values, while criticizing Europe for its "perverse welfare state," excessive regulation, and problematic migration policies.

Milei also asserted that the capital of Europe isn't Brussels, but Rome, due to historical reasons. During the interview, Milei reaffirmed Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands through diplomatic means rather than military action. Despite his criticisms of Europe, Milei praised the strong ties between Argentina and France, expressing his positive relationship with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Milei is scheduled to visit France from September 30 to October 2, opening Argentina Week, an event aimed at attracting investment opportunities to his country.