Brazil downgrades diplomatic ties with Argentina after Milei insults Lula
Relations will be handled at the charge d'affaires level as Brazil’s ambassador will not return to Buenos Aires.
Brazilian authorities have decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with Argentina following Argentine President Javier Milei's disparaging remarks about his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The downgrade will see Brazil's relations with Argentina conducted at the charge d'affaires level, according to a Brazilian government source. This move comes after Milei described Lula as an "ex-convict," a "thief" and "corrupt" in an interview with Argentine TV channel LN+.
As a result of the insult, Brazilian Ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, has been recalled from Buenos Aires, the source revealed. The decision to downgrade diplomatic ties formalizes a significant deterioration in relations between two of Latin America's largest economies. Notably, the two presidents have not held an official bilateral meeting since Milei assumed office.
Julio Bitelli had already been recalled from Buenos Aires last month amid Milei's criticism of Lula during a campaign event alongside opposition presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro in Brasilia. At present, Argentina's ambassador in Brasilia, Daniel Raimondi, has been informed of the decision to downgrade diplomatic relations; however, the foreign ministry has not yet provided a comment.
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