Argentine President Javier Milei presided over the inauguration of the Museo del Regimiento de Granaderos a Caballo General San Martín, describing the event as one of "solemn and symbolic significance." Speaking in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Milei thanked the Fundación del Museo Granaderos for making the museum possible.
The museum traces the regiment's history from its founding on 16 March 1812, through its baptism of fire at the Battle of San Lorenzo, the preparation of the Army of the Andes at El Plumerillo, the crossing of the Andes, and the subsequent independence campaigns across the continent. Across more than eight rooms, visitors can view patrimonial objects, documents, uniforms, original paintings, scale models, stage sets, audiovisual recreations, and interactive spaces.
Milei also used the occasion to address the return of General San Martín's iconic curved sabre — the sable corvo — to the regiment's custody. He said critics had claimed the move would distance the relic from the public, but that it has been on free and open display since February. "The sabre is not just another museum piece," Milei stated. "It is the most powerful material symbol of the Argentine Nation."
The president then announced a package of sovereignty measures related to the Malvinas Islands, presented the previous Thursday. These include a decree to accelerate sanctions against companies exploiting Argentine resources without authorisation, and a bill to be sent to Congress that would bar companies providing services to those involved in illegal resource extraction from contracting with either the state or private entities in Argentina. Milei said sanctioning proceedings have already been opened against 60 companies and individuals operating in the Malvinas basin without authorisation, and a criminal complaint has been filed against companies linked to the Sea Lion project operating under a licence granted by what he described as the "illegitimate government of the United Kingdom."
Milei also announced plans for a National Security Council as part of the same legislative package, alongside a Naval Base in Tierra del Fuego and investments in telecommunications — all to be funded through a reallocation of resources that, he said, does not affect the fiscal surplus. He added that several major international oil services companies have publicly stated they will not participate in projects in the disputed territory, attributing this partly to Argentina's investment framework, including the RIGI incentive scheme and modifications to hydrocarbon legislation.
Closing with a quote attributed to General San Martín — "When the homeland is in danger, everything is permitted, except not defending it" — Milei framed both the museum's inauguration and the sovereignty measures as expressions of the same national imperative.
Several verified sources, together with artificial intelligence, were used in the preparation of this article. The content was reviewed by our editorial team prior to publication. Disclosure provided in accordance with Article 50 of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act).
