Brazilian Officials Condemn Merz’s Belém Comments as Germany Finalizes Amazon Fund Pledge

Overview

• German chancellor Friedrich Merz told a Berlin trade congress that journalists with his delegation were content to leave Belém after COP30, a remark published in an official transcript.
• Belém’s mayor Igor Normando labeled the comment “unhappy, arrogant and prejudiced,” and Pará governor Helder Barbalho called it a prejudiced speech.
• Merz framed the anecdote while praising Germany’s political and economic environment and urging defense of its democracy and market order.
• Germany has committed a “significant” sum to the Fundo Florestas para Sempre, with Environment Minister Carsten Schneider saying the exact figure will be announced shortly.
• Responses in Brazil ranged from social media accusations of xenophobia to messages supporting Merz, as environmental groups urged Germany to match Norway’s $3 billion pledge.