Milei accuses Sánchez of "tyranny" and of "using" immigrants to vote in his favor

President Javier Milei of Argentina accused Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of leading a "tyranny" and using immigrants to secure votes for his political benefit during an interview with the news channel LN+ on Sunday night. The remarks came amid heightened tensions over the recent mass influx of Moroccan migrants into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, which Milei linked to what he called the "multiculturalism" promoted by European institutions. Milei stated that the surge of migrants into Ceuta was a direct consequence of policies driven by what he described as the "socialism of the 21st century," a term he associated with both the Argentine Kirchnerist movement and the Spanish government under Sánchez. He claimed that Sánchez exploits these migrants by granting them citizenship so they can vote for him, thereby extending his political dominance. Milei did not clarify whether this accusation applied exclusively to Moroccan migrants or also included the tens of thousands of Argentinians living in Spain or those who might gain Spanish nationality through the Democracy Memory Law. The president emphasized that he supports freedom and has long been engaged in what he calls a "cultural battle." He pointed to past speeches made at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2024 and 2025, where he warned that Western societies were in danger due to the influence of "woke" ideologies. Milei suggested that critics of his views, whom he referred to as "idiots", had underestimated the validity of his arguments, which he claims have been vindicated by subsequent global developments. In addressing the issue of immigration, Milei criticized the European Union's multicultural policies, calling them a deliberate strategy that has led to the widespread adoption of what he termed "wokeness." He argued that Europe had embraced all aspects of this ideology, turning it into a new form of religion that dictates a uniform narrative. This, according to Milei, includes initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the proposed Agenda 2045. He specifically targeted Spain, accusing Sánchez of leveraging immigrant populations to maintain power. Milei did not specify whether this included Moroccan migrants or other groups, including Argentinian citizens residing in Spain or those who might eventually obtain Spanish citizenship. His comments reflect a broader pattern of criticism directed at Sánchez, dating back to 2024 when Argentine Transport Minister Oscar Puente alleged that Milei consumed unknown substances. In response, Milei accused Begoña Gómez, the wife of Sánchez, of corruption. This dispute led to the recall of Argentina’s ambassador to Spain, although diplomatic relations have since normalized under Ambassador Joaquín María de Aróstegui. Despite this, political ties between the two countries remain minimal, and there has been no formal engagement between the presidents themselves. Milei’s accusations against Sánchez come at a time of increasing scrutiny over migration policies in Europe, particularly following the recent events in Ceuta. His statements highlight ongoing tensions between Argentina and Spain, rooted in ideological differences and mutual distrust. These tensions are likely to continue shaping bilateral interactions, especially as both nations navigate complex domestic and international challenges related to immigration and governance.