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Original article: Lula califica de “payasada” el discurso de Milei: “No voy a entrar en un intercambio de palabras con esa cosa”

Lula Calls Javier Milei’s Remarks «Nonsense» and Refuses to Engage in Foul Discourse

Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, referred to the speech in which Argentine President Javier Milei hurled insults at him as a «nonsense».

The progressive leader made it clear that he will not lower his dignity to respond to personal insults he received recently, when the self-described libertarian labeled him a «thief, convict, and socialist trash» during a campaign event for the Liberal Party in São Paulo, where he supported Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, as a far-right candidate in the upcoming elections on October 4.

«You saw the nonsense that the president of Argentina made here. I didn’t say anything because my relationship is that of a head of state», Lula stated, establishing a firm position: «I will not engage in a word exchange with that thing».

During his remarks at the Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) convention, where he confirmed Vice President Geraldo Alckmin as his running mate for reelection, the president sought to distance himself from the controversy and elevate the tone of the debate above personal attacks, dismissing Milei amidst the ongoing diplomatic crisis between the two nations.

In his address, the Brazilian head of state emphasized his respect and affection for the Argentine people, clearly distinguishing between citizens and the current ruler of the neighboring country.

«As long as I am president and alive, no one from outside will interfere in Brazilian elections», he warned in reference to the increasing meddling exhibited by the far-right leader in Brazil’s internal affairs, particularly following his involvement in the inauguration of Flávio Bolsonaro as a presidential candidate.

Diplomatic Crisis Between Brazil and Argentina

During his recent visit to São Paulo, Milei not only backed the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro but also launched a barrage of insults against Lula and Brazilian institutions. He accused his counterpart of «squandering» public funds and referred to him as a «convict, thief, and socialist trash».

His hate speech also attacked Brazil’s judiciary, calling Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes a «bald trash». This judge is overseeing the case that sentenced Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for his attempted coup, and he also prevented Milei from visiting the former president during his house arrest.

In response to the insults and hateful rhetoric from the so-called «libertarian», the Brazilian government reacted by summoning its ambassador in Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, for consultations, marking a turning point in bilateral relations.

This decision was communicated directly by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira to the diplomatic mission in Argentina, requiring the ambassador’s immediate return to Brasília.

Simultaneously, Vieira held meetings with both Bitelli and Argentine Ambassador Daniel Raimondi, making it clear that this incident has no precedent in over two centuries of bilateral relations.

Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin joined in the criticism, labeling Milei’s behavior as «lamentable» and «absolutely rude». He noted that a head of state has an obligation to maintain a minimum level of institutional respect and «should not interfere» in the internal or harmful matters of a neighboring strategic partner in Mercosur, emphasizing the seriousness of a foreign leader commenting on judicial processes and candidacies that fall solely under Brazilian sovereignty.

Javier Milei’s government, on its part, categorized the insults and hate speech as «ideological differences». Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno dismissed the possibility of the situation escalating to a formal rupture of bilateral ties, as reported by TeleSUR.

The libertarian administration has not issued any official apologies to Lula and has opted to reaffirm Milei’s unconditional support for the Bolsonaro family.

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