Brazil minister attacks Argentina's Milei, calling him a 'clown' and questioning his economic policy

Brazilian Finance Minister Dario Durigan launched a scathing attack on Argentine President Javier Milei, labeling him a 'clown' during a radio interview. Durigan's comments came amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the two South American neighbors, fueled by Milei's recent criticisms of Brazil's economy and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Speaking on Radio Jornal de Pernambuco, Durigan directly addressed Milei's recent visit to Brazil. "The clown of the president of Argentina came to Brazil and spoke about Brazil, when Argentina's country risk is much higher, public debt is much higher, and inflation is much higher," Durigan stated, highlighting the stark economic disparities.

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presidiario

The friction intensified after Milei, speaking in São Paulo, referred to Lula as a "inmate" and a "thief," accusing him of mismanaging Brazilian public funds and warning of a "Lula risk" in financial markets due to his social policies. In response, Brazil summoned its ambassador from Buenos Aires and called the Argentine ambassador in Brasilia for discussions.

Despite the diplomatic spat, Durigan acknowledged Brazil's own economic challenges, including high interest rates currently at 14.25%. However, he maintained forecasts for 2% GDP growth this year and pointed to positive economic indicators such as an unemployment rate around 6%, controlled inflation at 4.64% year-on-year, and record trade balances.

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ladrón