We are not referring to his general political outlook but to… Falkland Islands.
Argentina’s newly elected president, Javier Milei, known for his bold promises, has stirred fresh controversy: He proposed that the UK should transfer the Falkland Islands to Argentina, drawing parallels to the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. On Sunday, November 19th, Milei won the Argentinian elections with 55.7% of the vote, securing 21 out of 24 provinces.
In a newspaper interview, Milei expressed his desire for the UK to cede the Falklands to Argentina, a move that has sparked criticism, especially considering the 1982 conflict over the islands. He acknowledged the impracticality of a military solution and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to reclaim sovereignty. Milei has also voiced conservative views on issues such as abortion, drug policy, and prostitution during his campaign. His admiration for Margaret Thatcher, who dealt with the Falklands War, was evident, calling her “one of the greatest leaders in the history of humanity.”
In response, UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps reaffirmed the British stance on the Falklands, asserting their non-negotiable sovereignty. A 2013 referendum, with nearly 100% support, confirmed the islanders’ desire to remain a UK Overseas Territory, emphasizing their right to self-determination. However, the status of Falklands, or Malvinas as they are called by the Argentinians, located about 8,000 miles from the UK and 300 miles from mainland Argentina, remains a contentious issue in domestic Argentinian political scene.
