Tensions surged between Argentina and Brazil this Sunday as Brazil summoned its ambassador back from Argentina following President Javier Milei's incendiary remarks in São Paulo. Milei labeled Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "thief" and accused him of spreading socialism throughout Latin America, triggering the most severe diplomatic crisis between the two nations since the libertarian leader took office.
The controversial statements were made on Saturday during the Liberal Party (PL) convention in São Paulo, where Milei was present to support Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign for the upcoming October 4 elections.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters, the Argentine president not only targeted Lula but also insulted Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him a "bald piece of trash." De Moraes had overseen the judicial proceedings that resulted in former President Jair Bolsonaro's 27-year prison sentence for coup plotting and denied Milei permission to visit Bolsonaro under house arrest.
"Brazil's judiciary did not allow me to visit my friend unjustly imprisoned, while Lula had the privilege of meeting international leaders during his incarceration," Milei proclaimed, condemning the refusal as a "clear demonstration of the injustice of his detention and the vindictive nature of those responsible."
Milei further urged the containment of "socialist trash" and celebrated what he termed the "blue wave" of right-wing governments progressing across the region, expressing hope that Brazil would join this movement with a potential victory for Flávio Bolsonaro.
Brasília responded swiftly. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ambassador Julio Bitelli back to the country, with his return occurring between Sunday night and early Monday morning.
Supreme Federal Court President Luiz Edson Fachin condemned Milei's insults towards De Moraes, emphasizing that the court would operate with "calmness, independence, and firmness" and would not succumb to "external pressures."
Meanwhile, Edinho Silva, president of the ruling Workers' Party (PT), accused Milei of disrespecting Brazilian institutions and the head of state.
Milei's visit to Brazil coincided with a challenging period for Flávio Bolsonaro in the polls. According to the latest Datafolha survey (conducted on July 22 and 23, with 2,004 voters), Lula leads with 48% compared to Flávio Bolsonaro's 43% in a potential runoff, maintaining a consistent five-point advantage since June.
The escalating tension between Milei and Lula has been building since December 2023, when Milei took office and announced he would not appoint ambassadors to Cuba, Nicaragua, or Venezuela. The ideological clash between the two leaders has intensified with each of Milei's regional political interventions, but the recall of the Brazilian ambassador marks an unprecedented escalation in their bilateral relationship.
The recall of Ambassador Julio Bitelli is the most serious diplomatic action Brazil has taken against Argentina since Milei's inauguration, leaving the status of relations between the two principal Mercosur partners in limbo just months ahead of Brazil's presidential elections.
Understanding the Diplomatic Dispute Between Argentina and Brazil
What triggered the diplomatic crisis between Argentina and Brazil?
The crisis was sparked by Argentine President Javier Milei's remarks in São Paulo, where he called Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "thief" and accused him of spreading socialism across Latin America.
How did Brazil respond to Milei's statements?
In response to Milei's comments, Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned its ambassador in Argentina, Julio Bitelli, back to the country as a diplomatic measure.