Argentina’s President Brands Brazilian Leader a ‘Thief’ and ‘Convict’

Javier Milei, the newly elected leader of Argentina, delivered a heated speech in São Paulo on Sunday that targeted Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Using the words “thief” and “convict,” Milei accused the Brazilian president of corruption without naming him directly.

The critic came while Milei stood beside right‑wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, who is preparing a campaign for Brazil’s October election. Prime Minister Bolsonaro’s campaign team was also present at the rally, a move suggesting Milei’s comments were aimed at supporting the Bolsonaro politics.

In retaliation, Brazil’s foreign ministry announced the recall of its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, who was expected to return home by Monday. The recall signals a serious diplomatic rift triggered by Milei’s public insults.

Lula dismissed the allegations, saying his government would continue to operate “without anyone’s interference” and that “Brazil does not tolerate interference where it doesn’t belong.” He also criticised Milei’s remarks as a coaxing attempt to undermine Brazil’s democratic institutions.

Milei’s disapproval is not new. He has previously attacked Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president who faced a 27‑year jail sentence for plotting a coup last year. Milei also called a Supreme Court justice involved in that case “bald trash,” angering Brazil’s judiciary.

The tension comes amid a backdrop of recent corruption scandals that embroiled Lula in 2018. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison on allegations of bribery, though the conviction was annulled by Brazil’s Supreme Court in 2021. Lula’s subsequent victory in the 2021 presidential election, which ensured a 50.9 % majority over the former president, reignited the rivalry between the two political stalwarts.

In light of these developments, observers warn that the diplomatic fallout could complicate trade negotiations and bilateral projects between Argentina and Brazil.