Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, after Argentine President Javier Milei used a visit to the country to launch fierce attacks on Brazil's leaders and judiciary. Brazilian officials have also summoned Argentina's ambassador following the diplomatic escalation.
The tension rose after Milei attended a political rally in Sao Paulo on Saturday to support Senator Flavio Bolsonaro's presidential bid. The eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro officially launched his campaign to unseat President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who currently holds a lead ahead of the October elections.
During the event, Milei called President Lula a "convict" and described the Brazilian government as "thieving socialists." He championed Bolsonaro as the only candidate who can stop Lula and further denounced the nation's left-wing leadership and a Supreme Court justice.
The decision to recall the envoy was made Sunday morning after Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira consulted with President Lula. The Brazilian government viewed Milei's remarks as a "direct affront." Diplomatic relations between the two countries are described as virtually non-existent, with Milei seeking no official meetings with Lula and the Brazilian leader showing no interest in hosting him.