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Overview
- In a Berlin speech transcribed by the German government, Friedrich Merz said no journalists with his delegation wanted to stay in Belém and that all were “content” to return to Germany.
- Belém mayor Igor Normando called the comment “unhappy, arrogant and prejudiced” and highlighted the city's hospitality and the Amazon's global importance.
- Pará governor Helder Barbalho condemned the remarks as prejudiced and urged less talk and more concrete backing for forest protection.
- Brazilian social media split over the episode, with accusations of xenophobia, defenses of Merz, and viral memes satirizing his comments.
- Germany has yet to name its contribution to the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, with Environment Minister Carsten Schneider saying a figure will come “in the next days” as NGOs press Berlin to match Norway’s $3 billion pledge.