Argentine President Milei heads to CPAC in Brazil, snubbing Lula and escalating a political feud

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Given the choice between a far-right convention to bash his enemies and a presidential summit to discuss regional trade policy, Argentine President Javier Milei preferred the stadium packed with cheering fans.

The libertarian leader on Sunday strode onto the stage of Brazil's CPAC, an extension of the conservative political action conference, to a soundtrack of heavy metal rock. Basking in his cult-like following, Milei rhythmically threw his hands up in the air, chanting, “Freedom! as the audience hooted and pumped their fists.

Before delivering his go-to manifesto about the evils of socialism and virtues of the free market, Milei gave a hearty hug to Brazil's hard-right former President Javier Bolsonaro, who just days earlier was indicted by federal police in a scheme to embezzle Saudi diamonds.

“My friend Jair Bolsonaro is suffering judicial persecution," Milei said onstage from the conference in Brazil’s southern city of Balneario Camboriu.