Brazil-Argentina tension rises; Lula recalls ambassador after Milei's remarks

Brazil has significantly downgraded its diplomatic relationship with Argentina, lowering the ties to the level of charge d'affaires for the first time in decades. This drastic measure follows a series of sharp verbal attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei against his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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We had a lot of patience, we didn't respond, but we believe that the reiteration of offenses toward the President makes that decision inevitable.

The Brazilian government formally lodged a protest with the Argentine ambassador, Daniel Raimondi, after summoning him to the Foreign Ministry. In addition to reducing diplomatic representation, Brazil has indefinitely postponed the return of its ambassador, Julio Bitelli, to Buenos Aires. Officials stated they had shown "a lot of patience" but that the "reiteration of offenses" against President Lula made the decision unavoidable.

Milei has repeatedly referred to Lula as a "thief" and a "prisoner," basing his claims on the annulment of Lula's conviction due to alleged "administrative errors" rather than a declaration of innocence. Milei justified his strong language by stating, "I have horrible ways but I tell the truth." He also expressed hope that "Brazil will also turn blue," alluding to a potential victory for the opposition candidate Jair Bolsonaro in upcoming elections, and stated that "getting rid of corrupt and thieves is always good, getting rid of leftists is always good."

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I have horrible ways but I tell the truth.

Relations had already been strained since July when Milei attended a convention of the Liberal Party, which nominated Eduardo Bolsonaro for president. Brazil had recalled Ambassador Bitelli at that time and issued an initial protest. The conflict escalated again as Milei continued his public criticism in subsequent interviews, particularly during Brazil's election campaign.

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Let's hope Brazil also turns blue, for the good of Brazilians. Getting rid of corrupt and thieves is always good, getting rid of leftists is always good.