Milei attacks Sánchez and urges voters to oust Socialists

Argentine President Javier Milei used an economic forum in Madrid on October 21 to attack Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and urge voters to remove the Socialists from power ahead of Spain’s November 29 general election. Milei called Sánchez a “disgraceful dictator” and said, “Kick the Socialists out, because you are the cradle of liberalism.” The remarks brought Milei into Spain’s election campaign, where the opposition Popular Party is leading in polls. Accounts of the election outlook differ in emphasis: one says the PP and Vox could together win a parliamentary majority, while another predicts the PP will take the most seats without a majority, potentially leaving Vox with influence over government formation. Sánchez responded in a video posted on X, embracing the word “lefty,” which Milei and Spain’s far right use disparagingly for left-wing activists. He said he was proud to be a leftist if that meant supporting higher pensions and the minimum wage, defending abortion rights or opposing war. The Socialist Party also displayed a banner welcoming Milei to Spain and describing the country as Europe’s fastest-growing economy. Milei praised Vox leader Santiago Abascal...