"Thief" and "Prisoner" - Milei's Attack Sparks Crisis with Brazil

Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina for consultations after Argentine President Javier Milei called Brazilian President Lula da Silva a "thief" and "prisoner" and attacked a senior judge. The move deepens the rift between the two largest economies in South America.

Brazil recalled its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, for consultations following a harsh speech by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Lula da Silva and senior figures in the Brazilian judiciary. In a speech at the Liberal Party conference in São Paulo, Milei called Lula a "thief," "prisoner," and "leftist," and attacked his government as a "rule of socialist thieves." He also accused Lula of attempting to interfere in Argentina's 2023 elections without presenting evidence. Milei also attacked Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who prevented him from visiting Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest, calling him a "bald garbage." Supreme Court President Edson Fachin condemned the remarks as "disrespectful." Workers' Party President Edinho Silva said it is unacceptable for a foreign head of state to disrespect Brazilian authorities. Lula himself refrained from direct response. The recall of the ambassador is not a severance of relations, but deepens the rift between the two largest economies in South America and key Mercosur partners. Since Milei took office, there have been almost no official contacts between him and Lula.