Spanish President Pedro Sánchez demands apology from Milei for describing first lady as "corrupt"

Spain’s president, Pedro Sánchez, fired back at Argentine president Javier Milei for describing his wife, Begoña Gómez, as “corrupt” amid a criminal investigation that has targeted the First Lady of the Spanish Motherland.

“I am fully aware that whoever spoke yesterday did not do so on behalf of the great Argentine people, that is why we ask the current president of the government of the Argentine Republic for a public rectification,” Sánchez said in a televised speech.

“The response of the government of Spain will be in accordance with the dignity that Spanish democracy represents and the ties of brotherhood that unite Spain and Argentina, currently presided over by a president (Milei) who unfortunately has not lived up to his statements,” he noted.

Milei called Begoña Gómez “corrupt” during a rally in Madrid organized by the far-right party Vox attended by many of its international allies. Furthermore, he described socialism as “cursed and carcinogenic.”

Discurso del Presidente Javier Milei en la Convención "Europa Viva 24", organizado por el partido VOX en el Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid, España. pic.twitter.com/E52RVrzTds

— Oficina del Presidente (@OPRArgentina) May 19, 2024

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares also said he expected an apology from Milei.

Javier Milei called Begoña Gómez “corrupt” during a rally in Madrid. Furthermore, he described socialism as “cursed and carcinogenic”

"With his behavior, Milei has taken the relationship between Spain and Argentina to the most serious state in its recent history," Albares said in a video-recorded statement.

Milei's visit broke diplomatic protocol after refusing to meet with the Kings of Spain and instead spending time to promote his book at a rally alongside Santiago Abascal, the leader of Spain’s conservative Spanish political party, Vox.

The main opposition party in Spain, the Popular Party (PP), refused to support Madrid's position.

Party sources affirmed that Sánchez should have given explanations about the alleged corruption case weeks ago.

“His silence generates internal doubts, but also distrust abroad,” said a PP source, adding that the party's job was to oppose the Spanish Government and not Milei.

In April, a city court said it was hearing accusations of influence peddling and corporate corruption against Sánchez's wife, brought forward in a private complaint by Clean Hands, an anti-corruption activist group.

However, the Madrid Prosecutor's Office later announced that it was going to file an appeal to have the case dismissed due to lack of evidence.