After a brief visit to Belém, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked outrage with remarks about Brazil, prompting criticism from local officials and President Lula da Silva.
Merz’s Comment in Brazil
During a press briefing at the German-Brazilian Trade Congress, Friedrich Merz spoke of his short stay in Belém, noting that when he asked local journalists who would like to stay, nobody raised a hand and everyone was glad to return to Germany. He described Germany as inhabiting one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Domestic Reaction in Germany
German media outlets such as Die Welt and Münchner Merkur criticized Merz for appearing arrogant and tone‑deaf, pointing out that his remarks suggested little understanding of Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere. Political commentators questioned whether the chancellor grasped the potential diplomatic consequences of his statements.
Brazilian Response
President Lula da Silva and the mayor of Belém reacted strongly. Lula was visibly annoyed, and the mayor insulted Merz, calling him a “son‑of‑a‑bastard of Hitler.” The comments generated outrage among Brazilian officials and the public.
Analysing the Diplomatic Fallout
Experts warned that Germany risks alienating a key economic and environmental partner. The remarks were described as “aggressive” and “arrogant,” potentially undermining German influence on climate policy and trade negotiations in the region.
Political Implications for Merz
Political analysts suggested that the incident could affect Merz’s standing within the CDU‑CSU coalition, with rivals such as Hendrik Wüst and Markus Söder poised to capitalize on the situation. Critics argued that his statements showed a lack of diplomatic skill necessary for a head of government.