In Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) receives Argentinian President Javier Milei for a 60-minute conversation. They discuss world trade, peace for Ukraine and the anarcho-capitalist's reform plans. Supporters and critics of Milei meet in front of the Chancellery in a less diplomatic manner.
Berlin
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) received Argentina's President
Javier Milei in Berlin to discuss relations between the two countries.
In 60 minutes, the two politicians talked about the economy, trade,
renewable energies and global climate protection, as government
spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced. "Argentina is one of Germany's
most important economic partners in Latin America," she emphasized.
In
addition to bilateral issues, Social Democrat Scholz and
anarcho-capitalist Milei also discussed the president's reform plans.
Scholz emphasized the importance of "social compatibility and the
protection of social cohesion," said Hebestreit.
Other topics
included a free trade agreement between the European Union and the
MERCOSUR states, Argentina's possible accession to the OECD and the
peace process in Ukraine. Scholz and Milei both attended a summit on the
subject in Switzerland. Both agreed that it was up to Russia to end the
war of aggression against Ukraine.
Milei waives reception with military honours
While
Scholz was welcoming the crowd, a small demonstration "against
President Javier Milei from Argentina" took place in front of the
Federal Chancellery. The police counted around 100 participants at the
peak. 30 people had registered in advance. At the rally, a supporter of
the president got into an altercation with a demonstrator. A criminal
complaint was filed for attempted bodily harm. Overall, however, an
"emotional but peaceful atmosphere" prevailed, as a police spokeswoman
told Junge Freiheit.
The meeting between the Chancellor
and the Argentine President was reduced to a short public appearance
with a photo opportunity during the welcoming ceremony. A reception with
military honours and a subsequent joint press conference were cancelled
at short notice - according to the German side, at Milei's instigation.
Before the visit to Chancellor Scholz, the Hayek Society awarded the
Argentine President the Hayek Medal in Hamburg.
Scandal after performance in Spain
Recently,
Milei caused a scandal at an election campaign event of the Spanish
party Vox. Amid euphoric cheers from the 11,000 spectators at the
"Europa Viva 24", he criticized Spain's left-wing government and
described the wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Begoña Gómez, as
"corrupt."
Although Milei did not mention the Spanish head of
government by name, the allusion was obvious. Sánchez's government
reacted promptly and recalled the Spanish ambassador from Buenos Aires
to Madrid for consultations "for an indefinite period". Spanish Foreign
Minister José Manuel Albares said it was a "frontal attack on our
democracy, on our institutions and on Spain".
Source: Junge Freiheit
