Milei equates socialism with fascism at Madrid’s Ibero-American Summit

President Javier Milei once again used the Ibero-American Summit in Madrid to emphasize his ideological opposition to left-wing and European social democratic policies. At the 30th summit, he linked socialism with fascism and denounced progressive agendas that, he argued, are gaining traction in Europe. While he refrained from directly naming Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, his words made it evident that tensions with the host country's government persist.

Minutes prior to his address, Milei and Sánchez exchanged a brief, strained greeting, their first face-to-face encounter since a series of heated exchanges escalated diplomatic relations. These tensions emerged from repeated criticisms and insults leveled by Milei against Sánchez. "Socialism is fascist in politics and fascism is socialist in economics," Milei declared to the assembly of world leaders.

He further explained that "the common ground between socialism and fascism—hatred of the free market—is not an accident." The Argentine president also questioned the definition of fascism, asserting that "the fact that fascist movements are to the right of the far left does not diminish their socialist nature." Through this argument, Milei aimed to bolster his persistent criticism of economic interventionism and political movements he associates with socialism.

He specifically pointed to progressive political factions, warning that "such ideologies remain entrenched in progressive agendas that are gaining momentum in Europe." This stance stood in stark contrast to Spanish King Felipe VI's earlier plea for leaders to "stick to the facts" to ensure a harmonious summit despite diverse perspectives.

Despite a rehearsed speech, Milei maintained a combative stance, focusing on ideological disagreements. Milei's attendance at the summit coincided with his decision to skip the opening ceremony and gala dinner, opting instead to meet with far-right Vox party leader Santiago Abascal, a key political ally in Europe. Earlier this year, Milei traveled to Spain to bolster far-right candidates in the upcoming November 29 elections, during which he publicly labeled Sánchez a "disgraceful dictator."

These confrontations, which intensified in 2024, have strained bilateral ties, culminating in Milei's attendance at Vox's Madrid event where he disparaged Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez. Spain's government responded by recalling its ambassador to Buenos Aires and subsequently withdrawing her. Since then, diplomatic exchanges have continued unabated.

Sánchez countered that Milei had failed to live up to expectations, defending his government's response. In contrast, Milei dismissed the Spanish leader's accusations and refused to apologize. Ahead of this latest visit, Sánchez had publicly declared his leftist identity in a social media post, directly rebuking Milei's derogatory comments.