Overview
- Isabel Cademartori criticized Friedrich Merz for disparaging comments about COP30 host city Belém and urged him to correct the impression promptly.
- Merz told a trade congress that none of the journalists with him in Brazil wanted to stay in Belém and that they were glad to return to Germany.
- Brazilian media reacted with indignation, while President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva responded lightly by praising Belém’s culture and cuisine.
- Cademartori called for a European charm offensive that signals partnership at eye level, including movement on the Mercosur deal and climate finance commitments.
- Reporting notes that Lula selected Belém to spotlight the Amazon’s climate crisis despite logistical constraints such as limited hotel capacity.