Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina for consultations after President Javier Milei insulted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a speech in São Paulo.
Key facts
- •Brazil recalled ambassador Julio Bitelli for consultations following President Milei's remarks in São Paulo.
- •President Milei referred to President Lula da Silva as a "thief" and a "convict" during a convention for Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy.
- •Milei alleged without evidence that the Brazilian government funded 25% of an "anti-Argentine campaign."
- •The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court previously barred Milei from visiting Jair Bolsonaro due to ongoing legal restrictions.
- •This incident marks the sharpest diplomatic response between the two nations in years.
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, on Sunday and summoned Argentine ambassador Daniel Raimondi to the Foreign Ministry. The move follows a speech delivered by Argentine President Javier Milei in São Paulo on Saturday, during which he used derogatory terms to describe Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and criticized the Brazilian judiciary.
Diplomatic Tensions and Accusations
A spokesperson for the Brazilian foreign ministry stated that the recall was prompted by President Milei's insults, which included calling President Lula a "thief" and a "convict." Following the recall, President Milei alleged in a radio interview that the Brazilian government had financed an "anti-Argentine campaign," claiming that 25% of the resources for the campaign originated from Brazil. He provided no evidence for this assertion.
Judicial Disputes and Regional Impact
President Milei also criticized the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court for prohibiting him from visiting former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest. The court had restricted such visits for political or electoral purposes. The diplomatic friction involves the two largest members of Mercosur, who serve as each other's primary trading partners.
Timeline
- SaturdayPresident Milei delivered a speech in São Paulo criticizing President Lula and the Brazilian judiciary.
- SundayBrazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina and summoned the Argentine ambassador to Brasília.
- July 2024Ambassador Bitelli was previously summoned to Brasília following an exchange between the two presidents.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by MercoPress.
