Brazil condemns Argentina’s Milei for ‘attempted interference’ ahead of runoff election
- Brasíiia blasts Argentine president’s social media attacks on Lula as anti-democratic as diplomatic tensions escalate before Oct. 25 presidential vote
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- Brasíiia blasts Argentine president’s social media attacks on Lula as anti-democratic as diplomatic tensions escalate before Oct. 25 presidential vote
By Laura Gamba
BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - A diplomatic row erupted between South America’s two largest economies days before Brazil’s high-stakes presidential runoff, after Brasília accused Argentine President Javier Milei of "attempted interference" in the election.
The confrontation escalated Tuesday when the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a rebuke following social media posts by Argentina’s ultraliberal leader targeting incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“The President of the Argentine Republic is repeating lies spread by those who lost the election and led the failed military coup four years ago,” the Brazilian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “This anti-democratic statement is unacceptable, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the stance expected of the head of state of a friendly nation.”
Describing Milei’s comments as outright "insults," the foreign ministry maintained that the statements constitute an "unacceptable attempt at foreign interference in the Brazilian democratic process."
“The decision regarding Brazil’s future rests exclusively with the Brazilian people, who will freely express their will at the polls, without any external interference, on Sunday, Oct. 25,” it added.
The diplomatic spat began after Milei attacked Lula on US social media platform X.
“I hope his latest dirty campaign trick doesn't involve stealing the election... you thieving leftist,” Milei wrote.
He also shared video excerpts from Sunday's presidential debate between Lula and his conservative runoff opponent, Sen.Flavio Bolsonaro, calling the Brazilian president an “authoritarian adored by local progressives.”
The dispute marks a further deterioration in ties. The Brazilian government had already downgraded diplomatic representation in Buenos Aires by recalling its ambassador following sharp exchanges with Milei in July.
Despite the mounting political friction between the leaders, Brazil remains Argentina’s largest trading partner and key economic ally in the region.
Laura Gamba Fadul