Spain ‘definitively’ withdraws its ambassador to Argentina

By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain (AA) - Spain will “definitively” withdraw its ambassador to Argentina amid a diplomatic spat, the foreign minister announced on Tuesday.

The issue began after Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei called the wife of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez “corrupt” during a far-right rally in Madrid.

Madrid also accuses Milei of insulting Spanish institutions with his remarks about socialism during his speech.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and Sanchez himself both called on Milei to publicly apologize, threatening further diplomatic action if not.

On the contrary, upon his return to Argentina on Monday, Milei called Sanchez a “coward” on the TV network TN, and accused him of hiding behind his female ministers.

“I will not apologize under any circumstance … I was the one who was attacked,” said Milei, adding that Spain was working with the Kirchnerists, an Argentine political movement.

Milei said he did not name Sanchez’s wife, but that the Spanish leader “incriminated himself” and now “everyone is talking about his wife’s corruption case.”

Spain had already recalled its ambassador in Buenos Aires for the remarks, but the withdrawal means the envoy will return to Madrid permanently. Then, if Spain decides to restore the ambassador, a new diplomat will need to be named, according to El Pais.

Milei has plans to return to Spain on June 21, but Albares said the Spanish government will “analyze the type of visit he wants to make,” adding: “During his first visit, the Spanish state offered all available measures to welcome him, with the hospitality and dignity that a national leader deserves.”

While Milei did not meet with members of Spain’s government during his visit to Madrid, he did meet with the business community.

However, on Monday the Spanish confederation of businesses (CEOE) condemned the “out of line” tone of the Argentine leader. Several Spanish companies made similar statements.

A few weeks ago, Sanchez threatened to resign from his post after right-wing media reports about his wife formed the basis of an investigation into her corruption. Sanchez said it was unfair harassment that reflects increasingly “dirty” political tactics in Spain.

According to El Pais, police have not found any indications that Sanchez’s wife was engaged in corrupt activities.