Javier Milei, Argentina’s newly elected president, is doubling down on his far-right approach to politics, taking his campaign to Brazil this weekend and further escalating tensions with leftist leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Milei will headline a conservative rally in southern Brazil on Sunday alongside former President Jair Bolsonaro, a move that threatens to turn his feud with Lula into a full-blown crisis. The event, CPAC Brazil, is seen as a platform for Bolsonaro’s allies and supporters, who view Milei as an inspiration for their fight against Lula.
Analysts warn that the trip could trigger a diplomatic and economic crisis between the two countries, as Brazil is Argentina’s top trade partner. The spat has already led to a strained relationship, with Milei canceling plans to attend a recent Mercosur summit in Paraguay.
The article highlights Milei’s strategy of cultivating alliances with right-wing leaders across the globe, including Donald Trump, the Vox party in Spain, and now Bolsonaro. He seeks to capitalize on economic discontent in Latin America, positioning himself as a champion of “anarcho-capitalist” reforms.
However, his confrontational approach is drawing criticism and concern. Brazil is considering summoning its ambassador to Argentina back to Brasilia for consultations, demonstrating the severity of the situation.
While the outcome of Milei’s Brazil trip remains uncertain, it is clear that his actions are creating a dangerous new chapter in the complex relationship between Argentina and Brazil, with potential ramifications for the entire region.