Brazil has pulled its ambassador to Argentina in response to remarks made by Argentine President Javier Milei during a recent visit to Brazil, two sources familiar with the situation said on Sunday. The envoy, Julio Bitelli, was recalled after Milei used his trip to publicly disparage Brazilian leaders and the judiciary.
Milei traveled to Brazil on Friday to show support for Senator Flavio Bolsonaro's bid for the presidency. Flavio Bolsonaro - the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro - formally launched his campaign on Saturday, aiming to unseat President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who the article notes has been widening his lead ahead of October's election.
At an event in Sao Paulo where Milei appeared alongside Flavio Bolsonaro, the Argentine president attacked Lula, calling him a "convict," and described the Brazilian government as "thieving socialists." Milei also portrayed the conservative candidate as the only figure able to "stop Lula."
The decision to bring home Brazil's ambassador was taken on Sunday morning after discussions between Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and President Lula, the sources said. One source described Milei's comments as a "direct affront" to Brazil, prompting the diplomatic response.
Relations between the two governments are already strained; the piece states the countries maintain a virtually non-existent diplomatic relationship. The article also notes that Milei has not requested an official meeting with President Lula during either of his trips to Brazil, and that Lula has not expressed interest in hosting him.
This development reflects heightened tensions following high-profile campaign appearances and sharp rhetoric by a visiting head of state. The recall of an ambassador is a formal diplomatic step indicating Brazil's displeasure with Milei's public statements and underscores the fragile state of bilateral relations at present.