Key facts
- Argentinian President Javier Milei called Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a 'thief' and a 'convict'.
- Milei made the comments at a rally in Sao Paulo while launching the presidential campaign of right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro.
- Brazil recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires for consultations following Milei's remarks.
- Milei also insulted Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
- Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández criticized Milei's remarks as 'unforgivable'.
- Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof stated Milei does not represent the Argentine people and is jeopardizing national interests.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has caused significant diplomatic friction with Brazil following remarks widely interpreted as insults to the Brazilian government and its judiciary. Milei referred to the Brazilian president derogatorily as a "thief" and a "convict" at a rally in Sao Paulo, where he also called Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes "bald trash." Brazilian diplomats stated that Milei's comments insulted Brazil's government, its people, and its democracy.
In response to Milei's statements, Brazil's foreign ministry announced that Ambassador Julio Bitelli had been recalled for consultations. Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández criticized Milei's remarks as "unforgivable," stating that Milei "went to Brazil shouting like a madman, demanding to see a coup plotter in jail." Axel Kicillof, the governor of Buenos Aires province, expressed shame and stated that Milei "does not represent the feelings of the Argentine people," warning that the provocations jeopardize investments, exports, jobs, and Argentina's interests.
President Lula stated he would continue to lead "without anyone's interference" and that "in Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong."