Milei’s weeks of fury

Javier Milei has been displaying a heightened level of aggression and verbal attacks on Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva over the past week, leading to a diplomatic crisis. The Itamaraty decided to recall its Ambassador to Argentina. Milei has emerged from a period of silence to give interviews and announce plans for Central Bank reforms, which have been met with criticism.

The appointment of a new spokesman, Adrián Ravier, has been unsuccessful, with Ravier admitting to potential peso-dollar exchange rate fluctuations. Milei is now the only "pure bred" libertarian with a prominent voice in the government, a fact that is problematic as the electoral campaign has begun. Lula, facing a tough election against Flávio Bolsonaro, has responded to the insults with similar language, downgrading the diplomatic relationship to the rank of charge d'affaires.

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil's Ambassador in Washington in response to delays in approving Trump's ambassador Daniel Perez. With the election approaching, both Milei and Lula are attempting to gain an advantage. The major concerns in Brazil are crime, drug trafficking, and corruption, rather than economic issues.

Recent polls show a shift in favor of Flávio Bolsonaro, with his lead narrowing from seven to four percentage points. Milei's strategy appears to be working, as his negative opinions have risen.