Brazil downgrades diplomatic ties with Argentina to chargé

Brazil has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Argentina to the level of chargé d'affaires, marking the most serious political rift between the two South American neighbors in decades. The decision, announced on August 4, 2026, followed repeated personal attacks by Argentine President Javier Milei against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Brazilian Ambassador Julio Bitelli, who was recalled for consultations in late July, will not return to Buenos Aires. A source within Brazil's Foreign Ministry stated the downgrade will remain in effect as long as Milei's attacks on Brazilian democratic institutions persist. Argentina's government said it would not retaliate with similar diplomatic measures, with Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno stating on August 5 that while profound ideological differences exist, Argentina has never taken them to the diplomatic level.

The crisis escalated from a series of incidents beginning July 25, when Milei attended a convention in São Paulo that formally nominated Senator Flávio Bolsonaro as a presidential candidate. During the event, Milei endorsed Bolsonaro, called Lula a "convict" and a "thief," and criticized Brazilian Supreme Court...