Brazil Rebukes Merz Over Belém Remark as Rio Mayor Retracts Outburst

Overview

• At a Nov. 13 trade congress in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he and accompanying journalists were happy to leave “that place” after visiting Belém for COP30, according to an official transcript.
• Speaking today at the Xambioá bridge inauguration, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Merz should have gone to a bar, danced and tried Pará’s cuisine, arguing Berlin “does not offer 10% of the quality” found in Belém.
• Pará Governor Helder Barbalho called the German leader’s comment prejudiced, and Belém Mayor Igor Normando denounced arrogance, while Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes posted an insult calling Merz a “filhote de Hitler” and “nazista,” then deleted it and urged calm.
• German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said Berlin will announce a “substantial” contribution to Brazil’s Tropical Forest Fund in the coming days, indicating the funding negotiation continues despite the row.
• Brazilian institutions and media countered by spotlighting Belém’s culture and gastronomy, with municipal posts such as Salvador’s urging visitors to value local hospitality and avoid dismissive comparisons.