Brazilian anger after Milei's attack

TT-AP 

Published 21:54

 

Argentine President Javier Milei and Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro as the two hold large scissors when Bolsonaro is named presidential candidate. Photo: Ettore Chiereguini/AP/TT

Brazil recalls its ambassador from Argentina after Argentine President Javier Milei's attack on Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Milei, who attended a party meeting in São Paulo where Flávio Bolsonaro was named presidential candidate for his father Jair Bolsonaro's party on Saturday, called Lula da Silva a "thief" and "criminal" in his speech.

Milei's appearance as a guest in Brazil prompted the Foreign Ministry to first summon Argentina's ambassador and then resort to one of the sharpest diplomatic measures: recalling the country's ambassador.

Former Argentine President Alberto Fernández echoed the criticism:

“Insulting the president of a sister nation and our largest trading partner is unforgivable.”