Brazil has summoned its ambassador to Argentina, Julio Bitelli, for consultations following a highly critical speech by Argentinian President Javier Milei.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiated the move after Milei delivered a strong address at the Liberal Party (PL) convention on Saturday, which formally launched Flavio Bolsonaro's 2026 presidential bid, Globonews reported.
During his remarks, the Argentinian leader attacked socialism and praised a conservative "blue wave" currently sweeping South America.
He also sparked outrage by labelling Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Minister Alexandre de Moraes a "bald piece of trash" after being denied a request to visit former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Milei expressed his belief that Brazil would soon join other regional neighbours in electing a right-wing leader.
Right-wing campaign spectacle
The diplomatic fallout follows the formal nomination of Sen. Flavio Bolsonaro, the US president's ally, as a presidential candidate for Brazil's upcoming election.
Seeking to solidify his father's political legacy, the younger Bolsonaro rallied supporters with emotional appeals alongside high-profile international backing, including a video address from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an AI-generated message from his house-arrested father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, and President Javier Milei.
Milei also criticised Lula during his speech, saying Flavio Bolsonaro could "save" Brazil from socialism.
"We will continue offering our testimony everywhere against the lies of socialism," Milei said.
