Brazil downgrades Argentina ties to charge d'affaires level

Brazil's Foreign Ministry has downgraded diplomatic relations with Argentina to the charge d'affaires level and recalled its ambassador for consultations following weeks of critical remarks by Argentine President Javier Milei targeting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to Brazilian media reports on Tuesday.

The ministry notified Argentine Ambassador Daniel Raimondi in writing of the decision, O Globo reported. While the move makes Raimondi's continued presence in Brasilia unlikely, it stops short of a formal expulsion. Simultaneously, Brazil's envoy to Buenos Aires, Julio Bitelli, has been recalled for consultations and is not expected to return until the dispute is resolved.

Milei's criticism

The measure follows weeks of public attacks by Milei against Lula and other Brazilian officials in recent weeks. While Brasilia has not severed relations or closed its embassy, the downgrade marks its most forceful diplomatic response yet to Milei's government.

Buenos Aires responds

Argentina's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the decision, saying in a statement carried by La Nacion that Brasilia was isolating itself from the region. "Argentina regrets Brazil's decision to continue isolating itself from the rest of the region for purely ideological reasons," the ministry said.

Bitelli is not expected to return to Buenos Aires until the diplomatic dispute has been resolved, according to O Globo. The charge d'affaires level represents the lowest tier of diplomatic representation maintained between nations with formal relations.