Brazil’s government summoned its ambassador to Argentina for consultations on Sunday following “insults” directed at President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by Argentine President Javier Milei during a campaign event, the Brazilian foreign ministry confirmed. Milei, a libertarian leader, referred to Lula as a “convict” and a “thief” without explicitly naming him, while also denigrating Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as “bald trash,” according to Brazilian officials. The remarks were made at an event honoring right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro’s presidential bid.
“Milei insulted two branches of government, the Brazilian people, and Brazilian democracy,” a Brazilian diplomatic source stated to AFP. Brazil also recalled its ambassador to Argentina and summoned Argentina’s envoy to protest the comments. Lula, speaking at a union event on Sunday, emphasized Brazil’s sovereignty: “We will continue to lead without anyone’s interference, because in Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it doesn’t belong.”
World Cup Tensions and Political Fallout
Later that day, Milei accused Brazil and Mexico—countries led by leftist governments—of orchestrating a “negative campaign” against Argentina, alongside the U.S. Democratic Party. He claimed progressive leaders “don’t want the ideas of freedom to work,” offering no evidence to support his allegations. Milei’s comments appeared linked to criticism of Argentina’s national team during the 2022 World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a contentious final marked by on-pitch brawls and Argentina players refusing to sing their national anthem.
During his visit to Brazil for Bolsonaro’s campaign launch, Milei warned of a “Lula risk” threatening Argentina and urged Brazil to reject “subjugation to the left.” He also criticized Moraes for blocking his attempted visit to former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest after a 2022 conviction for alleged coup plotting.
Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli is expected to return to Brasília by Sunday or Monday, a diplomatic source said. (FRANCE 24 with AFP)
