Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina after saying Argentine President Javier Milei made “insults” against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a visit to Brazil. Milei was in São Paulo on Saturday for the launch of Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign, where he spoke at a rally alongside the son of jailed ex-president Jair Bolsonaro.
Although Milei did not mention Lula by name, he attacked “the thief” and “the convict”, a reference to Lula’s time in jail before his corruption convictions were annulled and he later won the presidency in 2022. Milei is a political ally of Flávio Bolsonaro, who will run against Lula in Brazil’s presidential election in October.
Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to more than 27 years in jail for plotting a coup aimed at keeping him in power after he lost the 2022 election to Lula. He is currently under house arrest and barred from running for office, and has endorsed his son Flávio as the Liberal Party’s presidential candidate.
Why did Brazil react so strongly?
Brazilian diplomats said Milei’s remarks crossed a line because they were seen as attacks on the country’s institutions and democracy. One source told AFP news agency that Milei had
“insulted two branches of government, the Brazilian people and Brazilian democracy”.
During the rally, Milei also said Flávio Bolsonaro was the only one who could
“stop Lula”. The Argentine leader also lashed out against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, whom he called
“bald trash”, although he did not name him directly.
Moraes presided over the trial of Jair Bolsonaro and earlier this month denied a request by Milei to visit the former Brazilian president while he is under house arrest in Brasilia.
How did Lula respond?
Lula did not refer directly to Milei’s speech at an event on Sunday, but he told those attending that
“in Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong”. His comment came amid a widening diplomatic dispute between the neighbouring countries.
Lula is currently ahead in the polls, although more than 10% of voters say they are undecided. The exchange marks a low point in relations between Argentina and Brazil, which are each other’s biggest trading partners.
Key Facts
- Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Milei’s remarks in São Paulo.
- Milei was in Brazil for the launch of Flávio Bolsonaro’s presidential campaign.
- Jair Bolsonaro has been sentenced to more than 27 years in jail and is under house arrest.
- Lula is ahead in the polls, but more than 10% of voters remain undecided.
- Argentina and Brazil are each other’s biggest trading partners.
