Milei cannot 'attack Brazilian institutions', says PT president to Argentine newspaper

In the interview with La Nación, published this Thursday (30), Edinho stated that Milei is head of government and “cannot confuse his functions with those of a political activist”.

He also said that Brazil wants to determine the origin of the resources used by the Argentine president on his trip to São Paulo. According to him, if the use of public money is proven, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro's (PL-RJ) candidacy for President could be revoked. “Brazilian law prohibits foreign interference in the electoral process,” he said.

Milei's statements were made at the party convention that made the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) official as a candidate for the Planalto Palace. The speech provoked a diplomatic crisis between Brazil and Argentina, with the participation of ministers from both the federal government and the STF and the summoning of the neighboring country's ambassador to provide clarifications.

Edinho also said that Milei's attack affects the Brazilian State, and not a political party, which affects Argentine companies and workers dependent on the commercial relationship between the two countries.

“Leaders come and go, but countries remain,” said Edinho, comparing the Argentine's stance to that of Donald Trump, president of the United States. “If Milei doesn’t understand this, he’s not fit for the position he holds,” he said.

Edinho also commented on Itamaraty's decision to deny visas to two diplomats from the United States who, according to The Washington Post, came to Brazil to question the legitimacy of the elections. For the PT president, the decision was correct. "We respect the United States' elections, even if they have been questioned by its own leadership. We ask for reciprocity. We will not accept any interference," he said.

Edinho also criticized Flávio Bolsonaro for once again raising doubts about the reliability of electronic voting machines in a meeting with ambassadors. According to him, the senator repeats his father's speech, which resulted in the coup attempt on January 8, 2023. “The ballot boxes were audited by every organization imaginable, and no one managed to breach security,” he said, stating that the PT won and lost elections with the system and never questioned its legitimacy.

Milei signs decree to expel foreigners who attack Argentines

The measure was announced by the Argentine Presidency office this Wednesday (29). According to the neighboring country's government, the decision is a response to "recent manifestations of hostility" against Argentina.