Venezuela has just made a decision that, for some, sounds like the “last act” in a play full of conflicts: the withdrawal of its ambassador to Brazil. In a move that intensifies the already tumultuous diplomatic relations between the countries, the Venezuelan government announced the decision after facing a Brazilian veto to its entry into the BRICS economic bloc. According to the government of Nicolás Maduro, Brazil demonstrated “aggression” and “hostility” by preventing the country from joining the group of emerging nations, which ended up triggering the return of ambassador Manuel Vadell.
The withdrawal of the ambassador to Brazil was officially announced by the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs this Friday, October 30, and represents a direct response to what Maduro considered a lack of respect from the Brazilian government. According to the statement, Ambassador Vadell was called to Caracas for “consultations,” which is, in the diplomatic context, a sign of strong discontent.
Celso Amorim: Venezuela’s “thorn in the side”?
O special advisor for international affairs Brazilian President Celso Amorim has become a central figure in criticizing the Venezuelan government. Caracas did not mince words when describing Amorim’s stance on Venezuela’s entry into the BRICS, calling him a “messenger of US imperialism.” This statement is a clear indication that the Maduro government sees Amorim as a defender of foreign interests, which further aggravates the diplomatic impasse.
This perception of the Venezuelan government is not limited to Amorim, but reflects a distrust regarding Brazil's own role on the international stage. According to political analysts, this disagreement exposes the ideological differences that still permeate the relationship between the two countries and suggests that Brazil has adopted, even under the presidency of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a cautious stance in its relations with authoritarian governments.
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Consequences of the veto on Venezuela in the BRICS
Brazil's veto on Venezuela's entry into the BRICS economic bloc was a severe blow to Maduro's international aspirations. The Venezuelan government claimed to have the support of other members of the group during the recent summit in Kazan, but Brazil remained firm, reiterating its position against membership. This decision contributed to a diplomatic breakdown between the two countries, whose relationship already has a history of friction and partial reconciliation.
A The continuation of the veto also reflects a diplomatic line that already existed during the government Jair Bolsonaro's previous term, when Venezuela was largely isolated from the regional scene. Thus, the current Brazilian government finds itself in a delicate position, seeking to reconcile national and regional interests, while avoiding a direct rapprochement with the Venezuelan regime.
Next steps and impacts for Brazilian diplomacy
With the withdrawal of the ambassador to Brazil, predictions for the future of relations between the two countries are becoming increasingly uncertain. According to diplomatic sources, the recall of Manuel Vadell suggests that Venezuela may review its strategy of rapprochement with Brazil, while the Brazilian government, through the Itamaraty, will need to assess the possible impacts of this rupture. International analysts indicate that Brazil may find itself pressured to reconsider its position in the context of bilateral relations and even in strategic alignments within Latin America.
In this scenario, Brazil faces the challenge of balancing its foreign policy to maintain a position that respects both democratic values and its economic and regional security interests. The final decision on the relationship with Venezuela is eagerly awaited and could be an important indicator of Brazil's stance toward governments considered authoritarian.
The withdrawal of the ambassador in Brazil is, therefore, more than just a response of displeasure. It represents a watershed in relations between Brazil and Venezuela and raises doubts about the next chapters of a relationship full of tensions and rapprochements.