Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires following derogatory remarks made by Argentina's President Javier Milei against Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Milei referred to Lula as a "thief" and a "convict" during a rally in São Paulo on Sunday, July 27th, 2026, which launched the presidential campaign of right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Although Milei did not name Lula explicitly, his comments were clearly aimed at the Brazilian president. He also insulted Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, calling him "bald trash." Flávio Bolsonaro, who is running in the October election, was described by Milei as the only candidate who could "stop Lula."

Brazilian diplomats condemned the remarks, stating that the Argentinian leader had insulted Brazil's government, its people, and its democracy. In response, Lula declared he would continue to lead "without anyone's interference," adding, "in Brazil, we do not accept anyone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong."

Brazil's ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, was reported to be returning home between Sunday and Monday following the diplomatic fallout.

Background context includes Lula's 2018 sentencing to 12 years in prison over a major misconduct and bribery controversy, from which he was released after serving a little over 18 months. His convictions were annulled by Brazil's Supreme Court in 2021, and he narrowly defeated Jair Bolsonaro in the 2022 presidential election with 50.9% of the vote. Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced last year to more than 27 years in jail for plotting a coup to retain power after losing to Lula.

Sources