Brazil recalls ambassador to Argentina following Milei’s remarks on Lula

Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, for consultations following derogatory remarks made by Argentine President Javier Milei regarding Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The comments were delivered on Saturday in Sao Paulo during an event nominating right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro for the upcoming presidential election.

Milei referred to Lula as a "convict" and "thief", and described Justice Moraes as "bald trash". Brazil’s foreign ministry confirmed the recall was a response to these insults, with a diplomatic source telling AFP that the Argentine leader had insulted two branches of government, the Brazilian people, and Brazilian democracy.

Lula responded on Sunday by asserting he would continue to lead without foreign interference. Speaking at a union event, the Brazilian leader stated he would lead "without anyone's interference", adding that Brazil does not accept anyone "sticking their nose where it doesn't belong".

The incident follows previous diplomatic tensions, including Milei being denied permission by Justice Moraes to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently under house arrest. Milei had previously described Bolsonaro as his "unjustly imprisoned friend" during the Sao Paulo event, where he warned against a supposed "Lula risk" from leftist candidates.

Milei later claimed on Radio Mitre that Argentina was the subject of a negative campaign financed by Brazil, Mexico, and the US Democratic party, though he provided no concrete evidence. He appeared to be referring in part to criticism directed at Argentina's national team during the World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a match marred by a pitch brawl and poor sportsmanship.