Brazil’s Lula da Silva Refuses to Talk to Argentina’s Milei Without Apology
Since the election of Argentina’s President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Lula da Silva has not engaged in any discussions with him. The relationship between the two countries is vital for South America and Mercosur, similar to the significance of Germany and France in the EU.
Despite their crucial roles, personal disputes take precedence over official responsibilities. Lula demands an apology from Milei for allegations made during his campaign, avoiding interactions with him at the G7 summit in Italy.
During the summit, Lula emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations but urged Milei to focus on leading Argentina rather than engaging in global politics.
In response, Argentine spokesperson Manuel Adorni stated that Milei sees no reason to apologize, believing he has done nothing wrong. Additionally, Lula addressed the issue of former President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters who sought refuge in Argentina after a political crisis in Brazil.
Lula suggested diplomatic handling of the situation, emphasizing adherence to legal protocols for any extradition requests.
Overall, the strained relations between the two leaders highlight the complexities of international politics in South America.