José Sarney: ‘President Milei is hostile to Brazil’

José Sarney, now 96 years old, is a renowned Brazilian voice on the relationship between Brazil and Argentina. As Brazil's first civilian president after a 21-year dictatorship, Sarney governed from 1985 to 1990 and worked alongside Raúl Alfonsín to end decades of mistrust between the two nations. The Declaration of Foz de Iguazú, the creation of Mercosur, and nuclear cooperation are just a few highlights of their collaboration.

In a recent interview, Sarney commented on the diplomatic crisis between Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Sarney defended the importance of preserving bilateral relations as a state policy, reflecting on the resurgence of nuclear tensions and the evolving international landscape. He emphasized that the integration between Argentina and Brazil offers valuable lessons for the global community.

Sarney expressed strong disapproval of Milei's derogatory comments towards Lula, calling the Brazilian president a "thief" and a "convict." He argued that such remarks were inappropriate for a president and showed disrespect for Brazil and its people. Sarney further criticized Milei's actions in Spain, where he insulted the Spanish premier and participated in an opposition campaign rally, but did not do so while insulting Lula or joining forces with Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno.

Lula's response to Milei's insults, calling the Argentine leader "a thing" while claiming his love for Argentines, was seen as a moderate reaction. Sarney noted that Lula, as a conciliatory leader, should have maintained a higher standard of diplomatic behavior. He lamented that personal hostilities against foreign presidents, particularly under Jair Bolsonaro's administration, had eroded the culture of institutional respect.