Merz and Lula Hold Conciliatory G20 Meeting After Belém Remark

Overview

• The sideline encounter in Johannesburg lasted about 40 minutes, according to sources cited by DPA, and no apology or formal statements were reported.
• Lula recommended restaurants in Belém and mentioned local dances, and Merz replied they would go dancing together on his next visit to Brazil.
• The meeting followed public backlash in Brazil after Merz said none of the journalists traveling with him wanted to stay in Belém during his COP-30 trip.
• Brazilian officials and public figures condemned the comment, including Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes, who labeled Merz “a Nazi” and “a puppy of Hitler” on X, according to the reports.
• Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Lula said Merz may not have engaged with Belém’s culture and suggested he would likely enjoy a future visit.