Argentina denies Brazil sought explanation over Flavio Bolsonaro's transit to the US

Argentina's foreign ministry has denied that Brazil demanded an explanation over the journey of Flavio Bolsonaro, Brazil's defeated presidential candidate, through Argentina on his way to the United States. The dispute adds to tensions between the two South American neighbours, whose relations have been strained since mid-year.

On Friday, a Brazilian diplomatic source speaking anonymously told the AFP news agency that Brazil had summoned Argentina's diplomatic representative to "provide explanations" about the trip. According to the source, the meeting took place on Thursday in Brasília, Brazil's capital, and was described as a "routine procedure".

The route to Miami

Flavio Bolsonaro, the right-wing candidate, arrived in Miami on Wednesday. According to Argentine authorities, he crossed into Argentina with his family and boarded a private plane bound for Ecuador. The head of the airline told AFP that the plane that eventually took Bolsonaro to the United States was paid for by an intermediary using a US bank account.

Bolsonaro lost Sunday's presidential runoff to left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, even though he had led the first round earlier this month. He received tacit support from US President Donald Trump. In Brazil he is under investigation over alleged corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. He was ordered to surrender his passport and is expected to lose his parliamentary immunity after the defeat. On Wednesday, after fleeing to Florida in self-imposed exile, he nevertheless insisted he was Brazil's legitimate president.

Strained relations

Relations between Brazil and Argentina have been tense since July. At that time Brazil recalled its ambassador and downgraded diplomatic ties with Buenos Aires after repeated insults from Argentine President Javier Milei, who called Lula "a thief" and "corrupt".