French President Emmanuel Macron recently touched down in Buenos Aires on November 16 for discussions with Argentine President Javier Milei as part of his diplomatic efforts leading up to the G20 summit. This meeting is seen as pivotal, particularly as it addresses concerns over Milei's controversial policies and his admiration for former President Donald Trump.
Macron’s visit, resetting the stage for the G20 summit set for Rio de Janeiro on November 18, is anchored on fostering Argentina’s commitment to global consensus, particularly concerning climate action and economic cooperation. During their initial meeting earlier this year, the two leaders explored Argentina's bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and reinforced France's support within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighting the significance of international partnerships.
The backdrop of the meeting features Milei's recent trip to Mar-a-Lago, where he met with Trump. That meeting underscored their shared objectives of slashing public spending and deregulation—hallmarks of Milei’s administration since he took office. Macron, on his part, aims to steer Argentina back toward engaging with multilateral frameworks, especially on looming global challenges like climate change and economic stability.
Macron's official agenda included discussions on agriculture, trade, and the forthcoming G20 summit topics, such as hunger and climate challenges. According to him, “We don't always think the same on many topics, but it's always important to talk.”
The tension surrounding the climate agenda was palpable during negotiations, particularly after Argentina withdrew from key climate discussions at the COP29 summit, raising alarms about the fate of the Paris Agreement under Milei’s leadership. Observers have noted the potential repercussions of Argentina’s stance, fearing it could lead to broader withdrawals from international commitments across Latin America.
Compounding the challenge for Macron is the reality of his diminished political leverage following his party's losses in France's parliamentary elections, which have somewhat curbed his influence on the global stage. The French president's previous attempts to engage former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on environmental issues were met with resistance, making his current mission even more pressing as he now tries to mend relations with another controversial leader.
Oscar Soria, a prominent Argentine climate activist, remarked, “If [Macron] can't convince Milei to stay in the Paris Agreement, then it could be interpreted as evidence of waning influence for him.”
Overall, Macron's endeavors are influenced not only by the immediate geopolitical climate but also the possible aftermath of Trump’s resurgence and its potential impact on global diplomacy. At the G20 summit, where the world’s leading economies gather to tackle pressing issues, how Argentina positions itself might echo throughout the international community's approach to cooperation.
The tête-à-tête dinner scheduled between Macron and Milei aims to set the collaborative tone for their discussions, with both leaders fully aware of the significance of affirming commitments to international cooperation and economic stability. Macron's overarching goal is clear: he wants Argentina to step back from its more isolationist tendencies under Milei and actively participate in global governance, acknowledging the ambitions and expectations surrounding the G20 gathering.
Looking to the future, the outcomes of this meeting may not only influence Argentina’s role on the global stage but also redefine how South American nations engage with Western powers amid shifting political landscapes. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics evolve post-meeting, particularly as they head to the G20 summit where significant attention will be squarely on these interactions.
