Alberto Fernández on the Falklands: “England should not worry because Argentina is completely disarmed”

Alberto Fernández has dismissed Javier Milei’s latest push over the Falkland Islands as a political performance, warning Britain not to worry about Argentina’s military strength because, in his words, “Argentina is completely disarmed.”

“

Argentina is completely disarmed.

The former president called Milei’s national address, which announced sanctions against oil companies operating in the archipelago, a “show.” He described the president as a “clown” and said the move was an attempt to recover ground on an issue where Milei had become disconnected from Argentina’s national position.

Fernández said every Argentine president since the return of democracy had maintained the country’s claim to the Falklands, including himself. He said he raised the issue whenever he spoke at the United Nations and the G20, and also during a visit connected to the G7. “Argentina has never abandoned its claim over the Falklands,” he told Radio con Vos.

“

It is an act of political opportunism whose sole purpose is to try to reposition himself on an issue where he became completely out of place regarding the national sentiment.

He sharply questioned Argentina’s military capacity, attacking the purchase of 24 aircraft under Milei. Fernández called the deal “a swindle” and said the planes were 40 years old, lacked NATO technology and were not useful. He argued that Britain had no reason to be concerned, while Argentines should instead worry about having what he called a delirious, absurd and ridiculous president.

“

Argentina has never abandoned its claim over the Falklands.

Fernández also said Milei’s sanctions announcements concerned measures that had already been taken. He said one of the companies had received a 20-year ban on operating in Argentina during his administration. He questioned whether the United States would confront Britain over the Falklands, arguing that the two countries had much deeper interests. He compared Milei with former military ruler Leopoldo Galtieri, calling the entire approach ridiculous. He also said he had ordered construction of a naval base in Tierra del Fuego during his own presidency.

“

It is part of the entire fiction that Milei is trying to draw Argentina into.