Milei arrives in Spain to add miles as head of the international far-right campaign

Argentine President Javier Milei arrived in Spain on October 20, 2026, amid the country’s presidential campaign. His visit comes at a critical time, with Spanish elections scheduled for November 29. Milei's trip includes participation in a forum known as Nueva Economía, which has ties to far-right political groups. Milei’s presence in Spain has drawn attention, particularly after Spanish Congress Secretary Gerardo Pisarello criticized him, calling him “a Trump employee.” This remark highlights the polarizing nature of Milei’s international engagements, especially among European right-wing circles. Milei’s itinerary includes a visit to the Fundación Disenso, a think tank aligned with the far-right party Vox. While no official meeting with Vox leader Santiago Abascal has been confirmed, discussions remain possible. The Argentine president’s visit follows a series of international trips aimed at bolstering his influence in right-wing politics across Latin America and Europe. Before arriving in Spain, Milei was in Washington, D.C., where he publicly endorsed Donald Trump during the Hispanic Heritage Gala. He emphasized the importance of strengthening Trump’s position in the upcoming U.S. elections, stating that this outcome would benefit both the United States and Western nations. Accompanying Milei on his trip are Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and Presidential Spokesman Adrián Ravier. Their schedule in Madrid includes a morning session at the Nueva Economía Forum, hosted by the Real Casino Gran Círculo de Madrid. The event is sponsored by Asisa, a health company, and Solaria, a solar energy firm. Daniel Lacalle, an economist and former advisor to Spanish conservative politician Pablo Casado, will introduce Milei at the forum. Lacalle has previously expressed support for Vox’s fiscal policies and has advocated for austerity measures in public services such as healthcare and education. His alignment with economic liberalism contrasts with Milei’s more radical approach, described as using a “chainsaw” instead of “scissors.” The Nueva Economía Forum, which hosts Milei, has a history of recognizing prominent figures including former Argentine President Mauricio Macri, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and EU diplomat Josep Borrell. Its association with various political ideologies underscores its role as a platform for diverse perspectives in global policy discussions.