Brazil Recalls Ambassador to Argentina After Javier Milei Insults Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, following a series of insults directed at Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva by Argentinian President Javier Milei. During a political rally in Sao Paulo, Javier Milei referred to the Brazilian president as a "convict," a "delinquent," and a "thief" without naming him explicitly. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry stated there is no precedent for a foreign president to insult the head of state and democratic institutions on Brazilian soil. Javier Milei also referred to Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as "bald trash." Minister Edson Fachin of the Supreme Federal Court described the comments as a disrespectful reference to a high-ranking magistrate. Former Argentine president Alberto Fernandez and Buenos Aires governor Axel Kicillof expressed their disapproval, with Kicillof stating that Javier Milei's comments did not represent the feelings of the entire Argentine people. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva responded by stating he would continue to lead without interference, noting that Brazil does not accept outsiders sticking their nose where it doesn't belong.