In a surprising turn of diplomatic events, Brazil has decided to scale back its diplomatic representation in Argentina. This decision follows a series of verbal attacks directed at Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by Argentine President Javier Milei, marking a significant moment in the relationship between these South American neighbors.
The Brazilian foreign office confirmed that Milei has publicly referred to Lula as “a thief” on three separate occasions since Sunday. This kind of rhetoric is not new; Milei used similar language during a party convention in July, hosted by Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, son of Lula’s political rival in the upcoming October elections.
In addition to his remarks on Lula, Milei criticized Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him “trash.” This comment came after de Moraes refused Milei’s request to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest for a 27-year sentence for a coup attempt.
The decision to reduce Brazil’s diplomatic presence in Argentina was initiated in July when Brazil recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, following Milei’s initial comments about Lula. Since then, Brazil’s representation in Argentina has been downgraded to a chargé d’affaires, a less senior diplomatic position. The Brazilian foreign office has stated that Ambassador Bitelli will not return unless Milei ceases his aggressive remarks.
Despite these tensions, President Lula has remained silent on Milei’s comments. The relationship between the two leaders has been icy since Milei assumed office in December 2023. Milei is known for his close alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump, an administration that has had its own disputes with Lula. In a related development, the U.S. State Department revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in response to Brazil’s prior denial of visas for two American diplomats.
On the political front in Brazil, Lula was formally announced as a candidate for reelection at his Workers’ Party convention. Concerns about foreign interference in the electoral process were prominently discussed. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin humorously reassured that Brazil’s electronic voting system is robust, stating it “doesn’t accept any votes from Argentines and Americans,” referencing Milei and Trump.
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