‘Communist dictator’ - Milei attacks Lula, backs Flavio Bolsonaro in Brazil runoff
Key Takeaways
- Milei backs Bolsonaro: Argentina's president endorses Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of Brazil's October 25 run-off.
- Lula criticised: Milei calls the Brazilian president a communist dictator and expresses support for Jair Bolsonaro.
- Trump alliance: Milei urges Latin American governments to unite with Washington against socialism.
Argentina's president publicly supports Flavio Bolsonaro ahead of Brazil's October 25 election, while calling for a regional alliance with Donald Trump against socialism.
Argentine President Javier Milei has publicly endorsed Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro, while strongly criticising incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva ahead of Brazil's October 25 run-off election.
Speaking at the Hispanic Heritage Month Gala in Washington on Wednesday, Milei expressed confidence in Bolsonaro's chances against Lula and accused the Brazilian leader of being a communist dictator.
'And now my dear friend Flavio Bolsonaro, with the forces of heaven on his side, I am sure that within a few days he will prevail over the communist dictator Lula da Silva,' he said.
The event, organised by Latino Wall Street, honoured Milei with an award recognising his leadership. Eduardo Bolsonaro, the brother of the Brazilian presidential candidate, was also in attendance.
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Milei used the occasion to express support for the Bolsonaro family, including former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence for attempting a coup against Lula following his defeat in the 2022 elections.
'I would like to take this opportunity to greet Eduardo, Flavio's brother, here with us, and to send a message of affection and support to both Flavio and to their father, my friend President Jair Bolsonaro, who remains unjustly and vindictively imprisoned. Greetings, dear Jair,' he said.
The Argentine leader also called for closer cooperation between Latin American governments and US President Donald Trump to counter left-wing political movements across the region.
'It is the duty of all Latin American presidents to form, together with President Trump, a true shield against socialism. We cannot cede a millimetre in our reconquest of the hemisphere,' Milei said.
He also linked Lula politically to the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro and, in an unscripted remark towards the end of his speech, said the Brazilian president should be removed from office.
Milei's comments come as Brazil prepares for a closely contested presidential run-off between Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of Jair Bolsonaro.
In the first round on October 4, Flavio secured 47 percent of valid votes, compared with Lula's 45 percent.
The Washington appearance marked Milei's twentieth visit to the United States since taking office in December 2023.
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This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
