Lula's Party Responds to Javier Milei's Criticisms: 'He Is Not Up to His Job'

The political environment between Argentina and Brazil grew tense after Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a scathing speech at a Liberal Party convention, targeting Brazilian President Lula da Silva and a prominent judge. Milei's remarks, which included insults directed at Lula and a derogatory description of Justice Alexandre de Moraes, sparked sharp criticism from Lula's political party and Brazil's judiciary.

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Brazil is a democratic and sovereign country. Our democracy allows for the debate of ideas, in which contradictory positions can and should fuel discussions about the country's future, especially in the context of an electoral dispute like the one we are experiencing.

Edinho Silva, the national president of Brazil's Workers' Party (PT), was among the first to respond. In a statement, Silva asserted that Brazil is a democratic and sovereign nation where ideas can be debated. However, he deemed it "inadmissible" for a foreign head of state to visit Brazil and address its institutions with disrespect. Silva questioned Milei's conduct, suggesting he was "not up to the job" and would have better served his constituents by focusing on Argentina's domestic problems.

The judiciary also responded forcefully. Justice Luiz Edson Fachin, president of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF), issued a statement defending his colleague, Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Fachin described Milei's comments as a "disrespectful reference" to a magistrate of the highest court, made on Brazilian soil regarding a ruling consistent with the country's constitution and laws. Fachin reaffirmed the Brazilian judiciary's "full autonomy" and deplored statements incompatible with the civility expected in international relations.

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It is unacceptable that a foreign head of state visits our country and addresses its constituted powers disrespectfully. It is not surprising that the current president of Argentina behaves this way.

During his 25-minute address, Milei avoided using Lula's full name, opting instead for nicknames and critical labels. He also accused Moraes of acting with a "vindictive character" and preventing his visit to Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing legal repercussions related to an alleged coup attempt. The exchange highlights the stark ideological differences and personal animosity between the leaders of South America's two largest economies.

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A disrespectful reference to a magistrate of the highest Court of the country, made on Brazilian soil, for a ruling issued in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil.