Overview
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a Berlin audience that none of the journalists with him in Belém wanted to stay and that they were glad to return to Germany.
- Pará Governor Helder Barbalho and Belém Mayor Igor Normando condemned the remarks on X as prejudiced and arrogant.
- Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider sought to ease tensions by praising Belém and Brazil’s hospitality in a conference address.
- Merz pledged a substantial contribution to the Tropical Forests Financing Facility but did not name an amount, prompting calls for clarity.
- Belém was chosen to underscore Amazon protection, with coverage noting the city’s heat, high share of residents living in favelas, and strained lodging for roughly 44,000 COP30 participants.