Milei receives São Paulo's highest honor from Tarcísio

Argentine President Javier Milei arrived in São Paulo on Saturday to receive the state's highest honor, the Order of Ipiranga, from Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. The ceremony at the Bandeirantes Palace saw a symbolic departure from tradition, with a blue carpet replacing the usual red, a nod to the "blue wave" movement representing right-wing political advances in South America. The color also honored Argentina's national flag.

Milei was accompanied by a delegation including his sister Karina Milei, Secretary-General of the Presidency, and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno Magrane. The private ceremony recognized Milei for his significant contributions. This visit underscores Milei's strong ties with Brazil's conservative political figures, particularly his alignment with the Bolsonaro family.

The Argentine president is a prominent international supporter of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who is expected to officially announce his presidential candidacy at a convention later on Saturday. Milei had previously hosted Flávio in Buenos Aires, expressing his belief that the "blue wave" would reach Brazil through him. This close relationship with the Bolsonaro family stands in stark contrast to Milei's openly adversarial relationship with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Milei's trip does not include a meeting with President Lula, highlighting the political distance between the two leaders. Furthermore, a request for Milei to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest, was denied by Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes. Milei's visit to São Paulo focuses on strengthening ties with Brazil's right-wing opposition.