Brazil recalls ambassador as Mercosur's top partners hit worst crisis in years

Brazil recalled its ambassador in Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, for consultations on Sunday and summoned Argentina's ambassador in Brasília, Daniel Raimondi, to provide explanations, in what Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira's ministry described as the sharpest diplomatic response between the two countries in years.

The crisis escalated after Argentine President Javier Milei delivered a speech on Saturday in São Paulo at the convention that formalized Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential candidacy. Brazil's government characterized the remarks as an affront to the country.

The rift between Mercosur's two largest partners casts a shadow over the bloc's trade and foreign-policy coordination. Both countries said further steps would proceed through diplomatic channels.