Key facts
- Brazil downgraded diplomatic ties with Argentina to the chargé d'affaires level.
- Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina following insults by President Javier Milei.
- Milei called Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "thief" and "delinquent."
- Milei also insulted Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
- Brazil's ambassador will not return to Buenos Aires.
Brazil has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Argentina to the chargé d'affaires level following a series of insults made by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian officials. The decision was communicated to Argentina's ambassador, and Brazil's ambassador to Argentina will not return to Buenos Aires.
Milei's remarks occurred during a Saturday event in Sao Paulo, where he accused Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of being a "thief" and a "delinquent." He also referred to Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes as "trash" after his request to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under house arrest, was denied.
The President of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court, Minister Edson Fachin, stated that Milei's comments were a "disrespectful reference to a magistrate of the highest court in the country, made on Brazilian soil."
Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández criticized Milei's actions, calling them "unforgivable" and stating that Milei does not represent the feelings of the Argentine people. Axel Kicillof, the governor of the province of Buenos Aires, also contacted Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to convey similar sentiments, emphasizing that Milei's provocations jeopardize investments, exports, and jobs.
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recall of Ambassador Julio Bitelli for consultations following Milei's statements.