German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has found himself at the center of a diplomatic controversy following remarks about the Brazilian city of Belem, which hosted the United Nations Climate Summit. During a trade conference in Berlin, Merz described his experience in Belem as being in ‘one of the most beautiful countries in the world,’ while implying that no one wanted to remain in the Brazilian city after the summit. This statement prompted immediate backlash from Brazilian officials, including Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, who called Merz a ‘Nazi’ in a now-deleted X post.
The incident has sparked a broader diplomatic tension, as Brazilian leaders have criticized the German chancellor’s tone and perception of their country. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been vocal about climate issues, suggested that Merz only had himself to blame for not enjoying the city’s offerings. Meanwhile, the state governor of Para, where Belem is located, Helder Barbalh, criticized Merz’s comments as hypocritical, given the city’s role in hosting the climate summit. In a statement, Merz defended his remarks, saying he believed Germany deserved the compliment. The incident underscores the growing friction between Brazil and European leaders over climate policy and cultural sensitivity, with Merz’s comments perceived as an affront to Brazilian sovereignty and regional pride.