Brazil summons Argentina diplomat after Flávio Bolsonaro's transit to U.S.
The move follows the defeated candidate's journey through Argentine airspace and adds pressure to diplomatic ties already strained by election disputes.
By Aaron Foster ·
Brazil's foreign ministry summoned Argentina's chargé d'affaires in Brasília on Thursday afternoon to request explanations regarding Flávio Bolsonaro's transit through the country. The meeting occurred after the former presidential candidate used Argentine airspace to travel to Miami, a route that has intensified friction between the two South American neighbors.
Flávio Bolsonaro, who lost the presidential election to incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Sunday, arrived in the United States this week. He is 45 years old and faces two active investigations in Brazil concerning corruption and money laundering. The U.S. administration approved visas for him and his family earlier this week, allowing him to enter the country without an official invitation from the White House.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has not publicly acknowledged Lula's victory, a stance that distinguishes him from other regional allies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Milei supported Flávio Bolsonaro during the campaign and recently criticized Lula during an event in São Paulo where Bolsonaro's bid was confirmed. In July, diplomatic relations deteriorated further when Brazil recalled its ambassador after Milei referred to Lula as a thief and a delinquent.
Currently, both countries are represented by chargés d'affaires, a lower diplomatic rank, following the mutual recall of ambassadors. During Thursday's meeting, Brazil's South America department director, João Marcelo, met with María Emilia Cortés, Argentina's chargé d'affaires. A diplomatic source familiar with the discussion noted that the Brazilian government sought clarity on how the former candidate's flight was handled by Argentine authorities.
Argentine presidential spokesperson Juan Pablo Carreira stated on social media that the government rescued Bolsonaro from the claws of communism. Carreira claimed that the leftist administration seeks to imprison all opposition figures. The statement did not provide specific details about the logistical support provided for Bolsonaro's transit.
U.S. President Donald Trump described Brazil's election as rigged and very strange, though he stopped short of declaring Bolsonaro the winner. Trump said he gave Bolsonaro a pass to enter the United States. In his first comments since leaving Brazil, Flávio Bolsonaro thanked Milei for his courage and justice, and thanked the American people for their welcome.
Flávio Bolsonaro's father, Jair Bolsonaro, is currently serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup. He also refused to acknowledge his loss to Lula in 2022. The younger Bolsonaro has called the recent election fraudulent without providing specific evidence to support the claim.
