The twin diplomatic crises in Brazil

A double diplomatic crisis for Brazilian President Lula. The United States has revoked the visa of Brazilian Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, in retaliation for Lula’s government’s refusal to authorise Daniel Pérez – a Florida state legislator and close ally of Senator Marco Rubio – who had been nominated as ambassador on 1 June. Washington claims that the delay has exceeded the usual timeframe for a diplomatic procedure. At the same time, tensions between Lula and Argentine President Milei – which began with a rally held by the Argentine president alongside the son of former President Bolsonaro, who is standing for president – have led to the withdrawal of the ambassador in Buenos Aires, who has been replaced by a chargé d’affaires.

The revocation of the visa does not imply immediate expulsion from the United States, but represents a sign of pressure amidst a general deterioration in bilateral relations. According to a senior State Department official, the measure may be revoked once Brazil authorises the appointment of the US representative and diplomatic relations between the two governments are normalised. However, further measures may be taken if the conflict persists. “Today’s decision is not an isolated incident. It is part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures against Brazil, motivated by ideological reasons,” the Brazilian government responded.

“There is no provision in the Vienna Convention setting a deadline for the granting of agrément,” reads the statement, which indicates that the US request “is still under consideration”. Brazil states that Washington made the name of its candidate public before formally submitting the request, but says it remains open to dialogue. As for Argentina, Lula speaks of a response to “Milei’s repeated attacks”. The Argentine government replies that it will not take retaliatory action: “It takes two to have an argument.”