Argentinian ambassador in Brazil to step down

Argentina’s Ambassador to Brazil Daniel Scioli is likely to be replaced in the coming days, after President Alberto Fernández asked him to become the country’s new Production Minister following the scandal-ridden resignation of Matías Kulfas this weekend.

Mr. Scioli, a former vice president and runner-up in the 2015 election, arrived in Brasilia in June 2020 with the goal of improving relations between Argentina’s center-left Peronist government and Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Mr. Fernández’s open support for Lula during his time in jail had created tension between both administrations, leading to the appointment of a pragmatist such as Mr. Scioli to preserve amicable relations with Argentina’s main trading partner.

Buenos Aires sees Mr. Scioli’s ambassadorial tenure as a successful one, as tensions have cooled off since his takeover. The government hopes he can achieve similar results in handling economic conflicts at home.

The suddenness of the move means Mr. Scioli’s replacement is still unknown, but the ambassador could remain in his position for the week as he handles the transition.

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