Spain recalls ambassador after Argentine president calls prime minister's wife "corrupt"

The diplomatic row between Argentina and Spain has escalated, with Spain permanently withdrawing its ambassador from Buenos Aires. The dispute began when Argentine President Javier Milei called Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, "corrupt" during a rally in Madrid. Milei refused to apologize for his comments, sparking outrage among the Spanish government. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares demanded an apology and summoned Spain's ambassador from Argentina for consultations. Other ministers also condemned Milei's speech, with some calling it "unacceptable". Milei doubled down on his comments, stating he had no intention of retracting them. In response, Spain withdrew its ambassador to Argentina, with Albares saying the envoy would remain in Madrid permanently. The dispute has put a strain on the $18 billion trade between the two countries.