Berlin is maintaining a conspicuously neutral stance on recent Argentine parliamentary elections and the resulting strengthened position of President Javier Milei, sidestepping direct commentary on previous criticisms of the Argentine leader voiced by CDU leader Friedrich Merz. Deputy government spokesman Steffen Meyer, responding to inquiries from the dts news agency, stated that the government would not be commenting on Merz’s December remarks.
Merz, then in opposition, had sharply condemned Milei’s policies in the “Maischberger” political talk show, accusing him of “ruining the country” and displaying a contemptuous attitude toward the Argentine people. His remarks were a direct response to earlier calls from former Finance Minister Christian Lindner, who had advocated for incorporating elements of Milei’s and Elon Musk’s approaches into German policy.
The Foreign Office, when pressed for comment on the election results, offered a brief, procedural statement acknowledging the democratic nature of the Argentine poll while refusing to provide further analysis.
Milei’s “La Libertad Avanza” party secured a resounding victory in the elections on Sunday, capturing approximately 41 percent of the national vote. This outcome significantly surpasses the 32 percent garnered by the Peronist alliance, a result that contrasted with pre-election polls which had initially favored the Peronists.
The parliamentary elections, which involved the re-election of roughly half of the parliamentary seats, represent a significant barometer of public sentiment regarding Milei’s presidency. This bolstered parliamentary strength is widely anticipated to facilitate the implementation of his highly controversial and austerity-driven reform agenda, potentially diminishing avenues for opposition and compromise within the Argentine legislature. The German government’s reluctance to offer substantive commentary on either the election or the preceding criticism highlights a delicate diplomatic balancing act, particularly given the potential ramifications of aligning with or denouncing a leader pursuing such radical economic and political changes.
