Leaders and representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay are gathering today for the 64th Summit of Heads of State of Mercosur and Associated States in Asunción, Paraguay. The event takes place amid diplomatic and political tensions, underscored by the absence of President Javier Milei of Argentina, marking a rare occurrence considering the event’s 33-year history.
On his first official trip to Brazil this weekend, Mr. Milei declined a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, instead adding a brief stop at the right-wing Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where met with former President Jair Bolsonaro.
In today’s summit, the far-right libertarian leader will be represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Diana Mondino. She is expected to meet with presidents of Mercosur member states to discuss Argentina’s severe economic crisis.
On Sunday, alongside her fellow ministers, Ms. Mondino advocated for “greater economic flexibility” within the region, asserting that the bloc needs a “shock of adrenaline” to advance in regional trade.
The summit will also highlight Bolivia’s incorporation into Mercosur. After years of negotiations, the Bolivian Senate approved the inclusion last week, and President Luis Arce promulgated it.
Once the ratification letter is delivered, Bolivia will become a full member of the bloc within 30 days, having four years to comply with Mercosur laws and regulations. The bloc will now consist of five members: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The meeting in Asunción follows closely on the heels of a failed military coup attempt in Bolivia, which has shaken local politics. Nearly all regional leaders condemned the coup attempt and expressed support for President Arce.
However, Argentina’s response was markedly different. The Milei government dismissed the coup as a “false” and “fraudulent” allegation, suggesting — without evidence — that Mr. Arce staged the crisis for his own benefit.
As The Brazilian Report explained, Buenos Aires’s remarks have caused a diplomatic rift between the two nations, prompting both countries to summon their ambassadors for explanations.
Following the Mercosur summit, Brazil’s Lula will travel to Bolivia for bilateral talks with Mr. Arce in Santa Cruz de La Sierra, where the recent crisis will be a key topic.
According to Lula’s official schedule, there are no plans for a meeting with former Bolivian President Evo Morales, despite his close relationship with Lula. Mr. Morales has become a political rival of Mr. Arce and recently accused him of lying about the coup attempt.
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