The institutional relationship between Argentina and Brazil is experiencing a moment of tension following a series of unusual decisions made recently by the Brazilian dictator Lula da Silva, such as the withdrawal of his ambassador in Argentina.
The decision responds to statements made by Argentine President Javier Milei, who reminded Lula that he is a corrupt and thief, and that he was released due to a simple administrative error in his cases.
The Brazilian leader's anger is also due to Milei's intention to visit former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is proscribed and under house arrest by order of the socialist regime in Brazil.
Lula da Silva and Cristina Kirchner
It is in this context that the visit Lula da Silva made to the corrupt former president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in 2025 has regained relevance, in a clear sign of support and political interference in Argentina.
During the meeting, which took place on July 3 of last year, Lula met with the convicted individual at her home, where she is serving her house arrest, in a gesture that generated political repercussions in the country.
Despite his clear attempt to interfere in local politics, President Javier Milei did not respond with a formal diplomatic measure, as the interests of states are above the activities of current governments.
However, in the current scenario, Brazil has chosen a different path in the bilateral relationship, amid a growing atmosphere of confrontation.
Lula da Silva
The statements of Javier Milei
A few days ago, President Javier Milei launched harsh criticisms against Lula da Silva, focusing on his judicial and criminal past.
During an interview, the Argentine leader recalled: “He is a thief, he is corrupt. He was convicted. He was imprisoned, so it is true what they say about him being a convict. He was released due to an administrative error, not because he is innocent. Therefore, he is a thief and he is corrupt.”
Milei also defended the tone of his statements by pointing out: “Don’t you think it’s aggressive for someone to steal? It is much milder to call a thief a thief than the act of stealing itself.” These statements add to a series of previous insults from Lula's government towards Milei,
At the same time, another recent episode added tension to the bilateral relationship. President Milei was unable to carry out a visit to former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro on July 25, 2026. The meeting, which was scheduled at the residence where Bolsonaro is unjustly under house arrest, was prevented by the decision of the Brazilian regime.
This incident sharply contrasted with the visit Lula made to Cristina Kirchner in Buenos Aires, which no one attempted to boycott, let alone withdraw the Argentine ambassador from Brazil.
