Key facts
- Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina following critical remarks by Argentine President Javier Milei.
- Milei made the remarks during a visit to support Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign.
- Milei called President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "convict" and the Brazilian government "thieving socialists."
- Flávio Bolsonaro launched his presidential bid, seeking to unseat Lula.
- Flávio Bolsonaro has also received endorsements from Benjamin Netanyahu.
Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina after Argentine President Javier Milei made critical remarks about Brazilian leaders and the judiciary during a visit to support Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign. Milei, who arrived in Brazil on Friday, called President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "convict" and labeled the Brazilian government "thieving socialists" while endorsing Bolsonaro's bid to unseat Lula.
The decision to recall Ambassador Julio Bitelli was made Sunday morning after Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira consulted with President Lula. Sources indicated the Brazilian government viewed Milei's comments as a "direct affront," leading to a near non-existent diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Flávio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, formally launched his presidential bid on Saturday. He has pledged tax cuts and a tougher stance on crime, aiming to continue his father's political legacy. At the campaign launch, Bolsonaro showcased support through an AI-generated video message from his jailed father, Jair Bolsonaro, a speech from Milei, and a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Michelle Bolsonaro, Flávio's stepmother, also endorsed his candidacy. A recent poll shows Lula leading Bolsonaro 48% to 43% in a potential runoff.