Argentina's Rejection of BRICS Membership Invites Venezuelan Ire

• BRICS Expands Membership by Inviting Six New Nations
• Argentina's Rejection of BRICS Membership
• Venezuela's President Criticizes Argentina's Decision
• Venezuela's Interest in BRICS

BRICS Expands Membership by Inviting Six New Nations

In a remarkable turn of events during the 15th summit held in Johannesburg in August 2023, BRICS extended invitations to six new countries. The countries that accepted the invitations were Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, thereby broadening BRICS's global footprint. However, Argentina preferred to stay away from the alliance, driven by the newly-elected President Javier Milei's hesitations towards the coalition.

Argentina's Rejection of BRICS Membership

Argentina stood alone in declining the BRICS membership, a decision that came under heavy criticism from Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. President Milei's reluctance towards joining the BRICS alliance was seen as a move that took Argentina back to the 19th century, as per Maduro's statement.

Venezuela's President Criticizes Argentina's Decision

President Maduro was particularly vocal about his disapproval of Milei's decision, dubbing it as stupid. He insinuated that by rejecting the BRICS membership, which was offered on a silver platter, Milei was acting against Argentina's national interest. Maduro didn't hold back on his criticism, describing Milei's decision as one of the most clumsy and stupid actions against Argentina.

Beyond this, President Maduro expressed his dismay over Milei's right-wing aggression and the unrealistic promises that marked his presidential campaign. He also expressed concern about the potential neo-colonial projects that might arise in Latin America and the Caribbean under far-right leaderships.

Venezuela's Interest in BRICS

Despite the rejection from Argentina, Maduro showed hope for Venezuela's potential inclusion in the BRICS alliance. He indicated his nation's desire to be part of this powerful bloc in 2024, demonstrating the growing global interest in the BRICS group.

Edited by Jonathan Stoker