Milei calls Lula a 'thief' and 'convict' as Argentina-Brazil rift deepens
Argentine President Javier Milei called Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva a "thief" and a "convict" during a political event, prompting Brazil to recall its ambassador to Argentina. The remarks come amid a wider dispute over Milei's public support for Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign in Brazil, which Lula's governing party has condemned. Brazilian officials called the comments an affront to diplomatic relations between the two South American neighbors.
Milei, addressing supporters at a political rally, referred to Lula as a "thief" and a "convict," according to reports of the event. The remarks drew immediate criticism from Brazilian officials, who summoned Argentina's ambassador and later recalled Brazil's own envoy from Buenos Aires in protest.
The comments follow weeks of tension between the two governments after Milei voiced public support for Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, in Brazil's upcoming presidential race. Lula's Workers' Party has condemned Milei's involvement as interference in Brazil's domestic politics.
Neither government has signaled a broader rupture in trade or diplomatic ties, both of which run through the Mercosur bloc that links Argentina and Brazil. Officials in both capitals said they expect further statements in the coming days as the dispute plays out.
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