Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Argentine President Javier Milei made a series of controversial remarks targeting Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and senior judicial officials during a political event in São Paulo.
The move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between South America’s two largest economies and comes as political relations between the neighbouring countries continue to deteriorate.
Brazil Responds to Milei’s Remarks
Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that Ambassador Julio Bitelli had been recalled for consultations following Milei’s comments while attending a political gathering in São Paulo.
Milei was in Brazil to support Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who was officially confirmed as the presidential candidate of the Liberal Party ahead of Brazil’s upcoming election.
During his speech, the Argentine president referred to President Lula as a “thief” and a “delinquent” while also criticising members of Brazil’s judiciary.
Criticism of Brazil’s Supreme Court
Milei also launched a personal attack on Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him “trash” after the judge refused to allow Milei to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest following his conviction over an attempted coup.
The remarks drew immediate criticism from Brazil’s judiciary.
Supreme Federal Court President Edson Fachin condemned Milei’s statements, describing them as disrespectful attacks on one of Brazil’s highest judicial authorities made while on Brazilian soil.
Lula Avoids Direct Response
President Lula has not responded directly to Milei’s remarks.
Instead, in an opinion article published by The Washington Post, Lula defended Brazil’s sovereignty and criticised foreign interference in domestic affairs.
“Brazil’s destiny is determined only by Brazilians, without external interference or subservience,” Lula wrote while discussing broader international issues, including trade tensions with the United States.
Diplomatic Tensions Continue to Grow
The diplomatic dispute comes shortly after Brazil denied entry visas to two officials from the US State Department who were expected to visit the country. Although the Brazilian government did not provide an official explanation, the decision has added to growing geopolitical tensions.
Political relations have also become increasingly strained because Flávio Bolsonaro maintains close ties with the administration of US President Donald Trump, while Lula continues to pursue policies that often differ sharply from both Washington and Buenos Aires.
Election Campaign Adds Political Pressure
Lula is preparing to seek another presidential term and is expected to face Flávio Bolsonaro in the upcoming election.
Milei’s public endorsement of Bolsonaro’s campaign has intensified political divisions, with Brazil now taking the unusual diplomatic step of recalling its ambassador in response to the Argentine leader’s remarks.
The latest dispute highlights how domestic political campaigns are increasingly influencing diplomatic relations across Latin America.
