French President Emmanuel Macron is in Argentina to meet with President Javier Milei – an admirer of Donald Trump – in the hope of ‘reeling him back in’ to the international fold on the eve of a G20 summit in Brazil.
President Macron arrived in Argentina this Saturday for an meeting with President Javier Milei, known for his ultraliberal policies and admiration for US president-elect Donald Trump.
This diplomatic visit aims to reintegrate Milei into the international consensus on crucial global issues, especially with a G20 summit approaching in Brazil.
Macron arrived in Buenos Aires this evening, where he will dine privately with President Milei before conducting a more formal meeting on Sunday.
This visit is particularly significant as it occurs right after Milei’s meeting with Trump in his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
The two leaders share a worldview focused on drastic reductions in public spending and a reluctance to engage with major international climate agreements and targets.
G20 priorities
Given the current political climate, Macron seeks to bridge the divide between their differing views, particularly regarding environmental policies.
The French president aims to encourage Argentina's continued participation in the international framework of cooperation that the G20 represents, with discussions focusing on connecting Milei with the G20’s critical priorities, given that the summit is set for Monday and Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Argentina’s recent withdrawal from Cop29 climate negotiations in Baku has intensified concerns about its commitment to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement – a situation reminiscent of Trump’s withdrawal during his presidency.
It was reportedly Milei himself who reached out to establish relations with France, positioning Macron as one of the few foreign leaders willing to engage with Milei post-election, giving Macron an opportunity to leverage his knowledge of international diplomacy to potentially sway Milei’s stance.
Political 'gamble'
Emmanuel Macron is known for his willingness to engage with controversial leaders, which – while showcasing his diplomatic flexibility – may also be a gamble.
Should the French president fail to convince Milei to uphold the Paris Agreement, it may signal France's decreased stature in the region, potentially prompting other South American nations to reconsider their climate commitments.
Macron has a vested interest in positioning himself as a leader in environmental diplomacy, especially following previous tensions with Brazil's far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro over deforestation issues.
Macron will also articulate his stance to Mercosur countries – including Argentina and Brazil – regarding his opposition to the trade agreement between the EU and South American signatories, highlighting the environmental consequences of such an arrangement.
While the reforms implemented by Milei's administration to stabilise Argentina's economy are contentious, France has expressed support for their efforts, suggesting they are heading in the right direction.
Submarine negotiations
Paris is also keen to strengthen economic ties – particularly in critical metals – coinciding with the recent inauguration of a lithium mine by the French company Eramet in Argentina.
Macron may also pursue discussions on selling French Scorpène submarines to Argentina, although officials have been cautious about the negotiations' progress.
The Argentine navy, lacking operational submarines, regards this deal as a priority, yet financing remains a hurdle.
On Sunday, Macron will commemorate French citizens who were victims of Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1979, a topic of contention given Milei's critics accuse him of downplaying this dark chapter in the country's history.
Following his engagements in Argentina and the G20 summit, Macron will travel to Chile, where he is expected to deliver a significant address to Congress in Valparaiso about his administration's strategy towards Latin America.
