Milei receives medal in Madrid and defends his economic adjustment plan

Published on June 27, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

Argentine President Javier Milei was awarded the Medal of Honor from CEU San Pablo University in an event alongside the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. During his speech, the president defended public spending cuts, promoted free markets, and criticized the left and the press. The visit aims to attract investments for Argentina but avoids any official meeting with the government of Pedro Sánchez, reinforcing his ultraliberal profile.

Javier Milei receiving a gold medal from a university official on a formal stage in Madrid, while holding a microphone and gesturing with his other hand, a large digital screen behind him displaying a graph of public spending with a sharp downward arrow, economic charts and financial data projected on the screen, an audience of suited politicians and academics watching, photorealistic cinematic style, dramatic stage lighting, polished wooden podium, Spanish flag and university emblem visible on the stage backdrop, ultra-detailed textures, professional event photography aesthetic

Argentina's economy bets on technological deregulation 📈

Milei's adjustment plan includes eliminating price controls and reducing taxes on hardware and software imports. These measures are expected to facilitate the arrival of international technology companies, such as cryptocurrency firms and artificial intelligence startups. However, the lack of stable infrastructure and high local inflation (exceeding 200% annually) remain concrete barriers to long-term investment in the sector.

The medal sits right next to the chainsaw 🪚

While Milei posed with the medal, many recalled his famous chainsaw as a symbol of cuts. It seems the Argentine president now collects valuable objects: first the chainsaw to cut ministries, and now a medal for cutting uncomfortable speeches with the Spanish government. At least in Madrid, they didn't ask him to return the award if he fails to keep his promises.