In a closing speech at the CPAC summit in Hungary on Saturday, President Javier Milei asserted that “Argentina is in a position to guarantee Europe’s energy security.” The remarks followed a meeting between the head of state and his ally, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a far-right leader who is preparing for an election later this year and is recognized for his strong anti-immigration position. “We are experiencing a gold rush in energy investment; imagine that by 2030 we will be exporting more than US$30 billion per year.” Milei told “Europe sought energy independence for years; we offer something better: a reliable partner, with enormous reserves and a government that honours its contracts.” In a notably passionate address, Milei had previously discussed a potential intervention in Cuba by US President Donald Trump. In a gesture aimed at his European audience, he also criticized Spain’s left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. “What can be said about Cuba, which after almost 70 years of a supposed childish revolution that only mattered to the Castro family left a population plunged into misery, and this week they had to announce a change of economic model?,” Milei stated in his closing remarks. “Surely, before mid-year, under the leadership of that great man Donald Trump, we will probably see a free Cuba,” he concluded.
In the speech, he once more directed his criticism at Spain’s PM Sánchez, referring to him as a “tyrant in the making. When power separates itself from the responsibility of representation, it can turn into tyranny very quickly.” Milei stated “In fact, in the speech just now, my dear friend [and leader of the far-right Spanish party Vox] Santiago Abascal mentioned the tyrant in the making that you have in Spain.” In light of ongoing challenges to reduce inflation beneath two percent, Milei articulated a new goal during his address, stating his intention to eradicate inflation entirely by the conclusion of his term in 2027. “Probably by the end of our term, in this first term, we will have completely exterminated it,” he stated. In his address at the CPAC gathering, Hungarian Prime Minister Orban expressed admiration for Milei, calling him “a global star of Western values.” Far-right leader said “It is the first time in the history of our nations that an Argentine President has visited Hungary. We are very happy; he arrives at a very important moment.” Milei – who earlier in the day supported Orban’s position on immigration – reciprocated, expressing to the Hungarian leader that he “has our respect and admiration.”
Orban, recognized for his anti-immigration positions and stringent measures against asylum seekers and migrants, stands out as one of the few European Union leaders who maintains a cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has frequently opposed EU efforts to assist Ukraine. The two individuals had convened earlier that day at the Sandar Palace, the official seat of the Hungarian government. Milei reportedly informed the Hungarian premier prior to Saturday’s conference at the far-right CPAC gathering that he would address the topic of migrants and endorse his stance. “When immigration does not culturally adapt to the place it goes to, it stops being immigration and becomes an invasion,” Milei told the prime minister during his visit to Budapest, as reported.
The Hungarian prime minister firmly opposes immigration, labeling it as “poison.” Orbán issued a statement this Saturday following his meeting with Milei. “It is always a pleasure to see you, President,” he wrote. Milei attended the meeting alongside his sister, Presidential Chief-of-Staff Karina Milei, and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno. Previously, he had a meeting with Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok at the Sándor Palace. Milei was welcomed by a military formation and walked along a red carpet next to Sulyok. The Hungarian president presented him with a small statue of a lion as a gift. “Wonderful. I love it,” Milei responded upon reception.