MercoPress · October 26, 2026

Milei Refrains from Congratulating Lula Following His Re-election in Brazil

The defeat of candidate Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil’s elections took the Argentine government by surprise, as it had expected a different outcome. Within the Casa Rosada, some officials attribute the loss to the economic policies of re-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and to the backlash he generated among women and young people. A source close to the executive branch told Infobae that the outcome undermines the idea of an international right-wing alliance promoted by Javier Milei. The Argentine president, who had publicly backed Bolsonaro, did not congratulate Lula on his victory, unlike other regional leaders such as Chile’s José Antonio Kast.

According to local media, neither Milei nor his foreign minister issued statements; official sources asked for patience. The president shared content on social media questioning the extension of voting hours and a message against the left. Bolsonaro does not recognize Lula’s victory and is seeking to annul the election. The Peronist opposition celebrated and linked the reelection to the 2027 Argentine elections. Relations between Milei and Lula are tense: the Argentine president has insulted him, and Brazil recalled its ambassador in July. Brazil is Argentina’s largest trading partner.

Via MercoPress