Summary
- Brazil has formally downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires following renewed verbal insults directed by Argentine President Javier Milei toward Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- The decision was triggered after Milei referred to the Brazilian head of state using derogatory terms, including calling him corrupt and an ex-convict, during a television interview with Argentine broadcaster LN+.
- Bitelli had initially been recalled late last month after Milei openly criticized Lula while appearing in São Paulo alongside opposition candidate Flavio Bolsonaro during the formal launch of his presidential campaign.
Brazil has formally downgraded its diplomatic representation in Argentina to the level of chargé d’affaires following renewed verbal insults directed by Argentine President Javier Milei toward Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli will not be returning to his post in Buenos Aires.
The decision was triggered after Milei referred to the Brazilian head of state using derogatory terms, including calling him corrupt and an ex-convict, during a television interview with Argentine broadcaster LN+.
Bitelli had initially been recalled late last month after Milei openly criticized Lula while appearing in São Paulo alongside opposition candidate Flavio Bolsonaro during the formal launch of his presidential campaign.
Argentine Ambassador Daniel Raimondi was officially notified of the administrative downgrade in Brasília. The move marks a formal escalation in the deteriorating relations between South America’s two largest economies, whose leaders have not held a formal bilateral summit since Milei assumed office.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
