The Argentine ambassador to Spain, Wenceslao Bunge Saravia, has sparked deep outrage after his controversial statements at a commemorative event for the 175th anniversary of the death of General Don José de San Martín in the city of Cádiz. Yesterday, Sunday, at an event that was supposed to honor the memory of the greatest hero of the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, the Argentine diplomat concluded his speech with a controversial "Long live the king!" ("Long live the king!") , a direct affront to the legacy of freedom and sovereignty for which San Martín fought . The situation is aggravated by the historical context and the deep wound that Spanish colonialism has left on the continent.

The history of Spanish colonialism in the Americas is marked not only by the deaths of more than 5 million men, women, and children of the indigenous peoples , the destruction of ancient cities and cultures , and the massive plundering of gold, silver, and mineral wealth ; but also by the imposition of the Catholic religion, carried out with unprecedented cruelty, a dogma that San Martín himself fought with fierce determination.

The ambassador's words, praising the Spanish monarch in a place as symbolic as Cadiz, not only denigrate the memory of General San Martín , but also ignore and minimize the barbarity of a 300-year period of oppression.

The looting that continues

The outrage deepens when considering that Spain's colonial conduct toward the Argentine people continues, with no fewer than 110 companies operating on the mainland, concentrated primarily in the finance, telecommunications, energy, insurance, and services sectors, and also due to the plundering of fisheries in the waters of the Malvinas , jointly with Great Britain.

Bunge Saravia's speech has been condemned by various political figures, historians, and social organizations, who point out that these statements not only betray the spirit of freedom and self-determination, but also demonstrate an alarming lack of historical awareness.

The controversy resonates not only in Argentina but throughout the region, where the figure of San Martín is a symbol of the struggle against oppression . The fact that a representative of the Argentine state honored the monarch of the former metropolis on such a significant day has been described as an act of total disloyalty to the nation's founding principles.

Some 117 Spanish companies take in more than $11 billion annually.

According to recent data, it is estimated that around 117 Spanish companies have a presence in Argentina . Among them, ten major ones stand out, with an annual turnover exceeding $11 billion as a result of the major privatizations carried out between 1990 and 2000 . Based on historical investment, the market capitalization of its local subsidiaries, and the importance of its operations, the main sectors and companies with a significant presence are:

1.    Banco Santander Río : One of the largest private banks in the country and one of the most important subsidiaries of the Santander Group globally. Its influence in the Argentine financial sector is considerable.

2.    BBVA Argentina : Like Santander, it is one of the leading private banks in Argentina. BBVA has an extensive branch network and is a key player in the local financial sector.

3.    Telefónica : Through its subsidiary Movistar, it is one of the leading telecommunications operators in Argentina. Its investment and presence in the mobile, landline, internet, and television markets are enormous.

4.    Naturgy : Energy company with a significant presence in natural gas distribution in the country through its subsidiary Naturgy Ban.

5.    DIA Group : The supermarket chain has an extensive network of stores in Argentina, making it a key player in the retail and consumer goods sectors.

6.    Mapfre : One of the leading insurance companies in the Argentine market, offering a wide range of insurance products for businesses and individuals.

7.    Inditex Group : With brands such as Zara, Pull & Bear, and Bershka, the Spanish fashion group has a significant presence in the Argentine textile and retail markets.

8.    Iberia/Air Europa : Spanish airlines are essential for air connectivity between Argentina and Europe, playing a key role in the transport and tourism sectors.

9.    Planeta Group : One of the world's largest publishing companies, with significant activity in Argentina, both in book publishing and in the media.

10.                      Acciona : This Spanish multinational has a strong presence in Argentina, especially in the construction, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.

Other companies with a significant presence include Abertis, with its investments in highways, and companies from other sectors such as Cabify, Meliá Hotels, and Repsol.