Lula Accused of Seeking $1 Billion to Influence Argentine Election

Former federal deputy Eduardo Bolsonaro, son of ex‑president Jair Bolsonaro, alleged that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arranged a US$1 billion transfer through then‑planning minister Simone Tebet to support Sergio Massa’s candidacy in Argentina’s 2023 presidential race. Bolsonaro said Lula “used Simone Tebet to get a billion dollars to help Argentina’s debt and favour Sergio Massa,” claiming the move constituted interference in Argentina’s election. No evidence was offered to substantiate the claim.

The Brazilian government has denied any direct involvement, noting that the loan was a standard CAF (Development Bank of Latin America) operation approved in July 2023 after an Argentine request and that Argentina repaid the funds early. The accusations have heightened diplomatic tension between Brazil and Argentina, with Argentine President Javier Milei previously labeling Lula a “thief” and “prisoner.”