Germany Says Merz Won’t Apologize for Belém Remark After COP30

Overview

• Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said the line was taken out of context and reflected a tired delegation eager to go home after an overnight flight and a long day in Belém.
• Kornelius stated Merz’s overall impression of the trip was very positive and called Brazil Germany’s most important geostrategic and economic partner in South America.
• Asked if Merz would apologize or if ties were damaged, the spokesman answered no to both.
• Merz made the remark at the German Trade Congress after a roughly 20‑hour stop in Belém, following about eleven hours of flying each way.
• Brazilian reactions continued, with Belém’s mayor calling the comment offensive, President Lula publicly rebutting it, and Rio’s mayor deleting an inflammatory social‑media post.