Brazil recalls ambassador to Argentina over Milei's insults to Lula

Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina for consultations after President Javier Milei launched insults against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a political rally in São Paulo. The decision was made by Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and officially communicated to the diplomatic mission in Argentina.

Milei's visit to São Paulo, his third to Brazil since taking office, focused exclusively on supporting figures within the "bolsonarismo" movement and did not include any institutional contact with the Brazilian government. During a speech, Milei referred to Lula as "the leftist," "the thief," and "the convict," and accused him of trying to sway the 2023 Argentine elections in favor of Sergio Massa. He also criticized the judicial proceedings against Jair Bolsonaro, calling the judge involved "the bald trash."

The incident has further fractured the already strained relationship between the two presidents. Since assuming office, Milei has repeatedly clashed with Lula and has prioritized his political relationship with the "bolsonarismo" movement over establishing institutional ties with the Brazilian government. The dispute has drawn responses from Lula's political allies, including criticism of Milei's economic policies.