Argentina’s Milei accuses Brazil’s Lula of election meddling ahead of runoff

Milei’s latest accusation Argentine President Javier Milei used his X account on Tuesday to suggest that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula could attempt to ‘steal’ the upcoming presidential runoff. In the same message he labelled Lula a ‘leftist thief’ and criticised what he described as a ‘dirty campaign’. The post was accompanied by a short video clip of Lula defending a recently approved shorter working week.

Brazil’s diplomatic response Brazil’s Foreign Ministry responded that Milei’s statements constitute an unacceptable attempt to interfere in Brazil’s democratic process. The ministry described the comments as unbalanced and inconsistent with the conduct expected of a friendly head of state. The protest follows a series of earlier remarks by Milei that have already led Brazil to downgrade diplomatic relations, including recalling its ambassador from Buenos Aires after Milei called Lula a ‘thief’ and a ‘convict’ during the July launch of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro’s candidacy.

Context of the runoff The runoff scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, pits Lula, who is seeking a fourth non‑consecutive term, against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the 45‑year‑old son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro secured 47 percent of the vote in the first round, narrowly ahead of Lula’s 45 percent, creating a statistical tie according to recent polls. Lula’s earlier corruption conviction in the Lava Jato investigation was annulled by Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court in 2021, restoring his political rights.

Regional implications Brazil remains Argentina’s principal trading partner, and both nations are the largest economies within Mercosur. Milei’s public endorsement of Bolsonaro and his repeated attacks on Lula have added a political dimension to the already tense bilateral relationship. While the Brazilian government has not issued a comment on the most recent post, the foreign ministry’s formal condemnation signals a willingness to defend Brazil’s electoral sovereignty.

Historical background of the feud Milei’s antagonism toward Lula dates back to at least July, when he referred to the Brazilian leader as a ‘jailbird’ and a ‘thief’. On 7 October, Milei posted an image of Lula with the word ‘thief’ on Instagram, further inflaming tensions. These incidents prompted Brazil to recall its ambassador for consultations, a diplomatic step that underscores the seriousness with which Brazil views Milei’s rhetoric.

The escalation comes as both countries prepare for a pivotal election that could reshape the political landscape of South America. Observers note that the personal attacks between the two leaders risk spilling over into broader economic and diplomatic arenas, given the depth of trade ties and shared regional interests.