Brazil recalls ambassador to Argentina after Milei insults Lula at campaign launch

Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina on Sunday after President Javier Milei publicly denounced his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, calling him a “convict” and a “thief.” The remarks were made during a formal event in which Milei nominated right‑wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro for the upcoming presidential election. Milei’s speech, delivered in the presence of Argentine President Alberto Fernández, warned of a supposed “Lula risk” from left‑wing candidates and urged caution against the former president’s influence.

The recall follows the Argentine leader’s visit to Brazil for the nomination ceremony, during which Fernández praised Bolsonaro’s candidacy and highlighted concerns about Lula’s potential return to power. Brazil’s decision to withdraw its ambassador signals a sharp diplomatic response to Milei’s inflammatory comments, underscoring heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries amid their respective political shifts. The move is expected to affect bilateral engagements until the situation is reassessed.