Vieira said that „the map posted by President Milei needs an urgent update“ and presented data favorable to Brazil without directly mentioning Argentina. The minister highlighted that under President Lula, the country „is modernizing and addressing its social problems,“ has a „growing economy, the lowest unemployment levels, international reserves of US$ 360 billion,“ and has exited the Hunger Map.

Vieira also noted that Brazil has had a „stable currency for 30 years“ and does not owe „a single cent to the IMF,“ while a government source pointed to Argentina’s financial difficulties.

In 2024, Milei’s first year in office, poverty in Argentina surged to 52.9%, later falling to 31.6% in the first half of the year—still higher than Brazil’s 23.1%. The IMF extended a US$ 20 billion loan to the country.