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🇧🇷 Brazil /Elections & Politics

Lula's ministers clash over Milei reaction, president avoids direct fight

From Folha de S.Paulo · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Brazilian ministers publicly criticized Argentine President Javier Milei, calling him a "clown" and a "pathetic caricature."
  • President Lula avoided direct confrontation, instead responding with irony and emphasizing the need for statesmanship and maintaining bilateral economic interests.
  • The differing reactions highlight a division within the government on how to respond to Milei's attacks, with some advocating caution to avoid escalating personal disputes.

Brazilian ministers have publicly denounced Argentine President Javier Milei, with Economy Minister Dario Durigan calling him a "clown" and Secretary General Minister Guilherme Boulos labeling him a "pathetic caricature" and a "sycophant" of Donald Trump. These strong statements contrast sharply with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's more measured approach.

Lula himself has yet to issue an official statement regarding Milei's recent attacks. When questioned by journalists, the Brazilian president responded with a dismissive laugh, asking, "Who is this guy?" This ironic deflection underscores Lula's preference for a statespersonlike demeanor and his focus on maintaining the economic relationship between Brazil and Argentina.

Who is this guy?

— Lula da SilvaPresident Lula's ironic response when asked by journalists about Javier Milei's statements.

Sources indicate that Lula has advised his ministers to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of considering the economic interests of both nations and avoiding direct personal confrontations. Some within the government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), believe that engaging with Milei directly could inadvertently boost his popularity. They suggest that Milei might thrive on public spats with Lula, and therefore, the Brazilian president should not "take the bait."

Milei had accused the Brazilian government of "financing a campaign" against Argentina during a recent political convention and also insulted Supreme Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Despite the ministers' autonomy in posting on social media, the government has not issued reprimands, though Lula's stance suggests a preference for a more diplomatic response to preserve bilateral ties.

Nobody takes Javier Milei seriously. Not only because he is a pathetic caricature, who embarrasses the position he holds. But above all, because he is a sycophant of Trump. And everyone knows that there are those who use and applaud sycophants, but there is definitely no one who respects them.

— Guilherme BoulosMinister Guilherme Boulos's statement on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing Javier Milei.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Folha de S.Paulo in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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