Milei's insults to Lula harm Argentina, says Brazil's Vice President

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin described the insults directed at President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by Argentine President Javier Milei as "lamentable" and "absolutely gross." Alckmin asserted that such behavior harms Argentina itself and violates presidential decorum. He emphasized that leaders should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of other nations, particularly in a crude and disrespectful manner.

"Look, it's lamentable, isn't it? That the president of a neighboring, friendly country, which is also part of Mercosur, harms his own country," Alckmin told reporters in São Paulo. He highlighted that Brazil is Argentina's largest trading partner and buyer, underscoring the significance of their bilateral relationship. Alckmin's remarks came after Milei's participation in a ceremony where he endorsed Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, for the upcoming presidential elections, referring to Lula as a "convict" and a "thief."

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presidiario

The incident has created a significant diplomatic rift between Brazil and Argentina. This tension contrasts sharply with the "optimal moment" Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, is currently experiencing. Alckmin pointed to recent free trade agreements with Singapore, the EFTA group, and the European Union as evidence of the bloc's progress. Milei's inflammatory rhetoric, including calling Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes "bald trash," further complicates the relationship.

In response to Milei's statements, the Brazilian government recalled its ambassador from Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, and summoned the Argentine ambassador in Brasília, Daniel Raimondi. These diplomatic actions signal the seriousness with which Brazil views the situation and its impact on regional relations.

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ladrón