Friedrich Merz’s Brazil remarks ignite diplomatic storm ahead of 2025 election
Friedrich Merz, the CDU’s candidate for German chancellor in 2025, has sparked a diplomatic row with Brazil. His comments about the city of Belém, host of the UN Climate Change Conference, were called disrespectful by Brazilian officials. Now, Germany’s Left Party is demanding an apology.
Speaking at a trade conference, Merz claimed that no journalists wanted to stay in Brazil during the climate summit. His remarks quickly drew backlash from Brazilian politicians, including President Lula da Silva. Critics in Germany and Brazil labelled the comments as arrogant and out of touch.
Left Party co-leader Jan van Aken condemned Merz’s statement as offensive. He accused the CDU politician of displaying a 'colonialist' mindset and living in a 'bygone fantasy world'. Van Aken went further, calling Merz 'a bull in a china shop' with 'zero diplomatic tact'.
The controversy has intensified calls for Merz to issue a formal apology to the Brazilian government. So far, no response has come from the CDU leadership or Merz himself.
The fallout from Merz’s remarks has strained relations between Germany and Brazil. Brazilian officials and German opposition figures continue to push for an apology. The incident adds pressure on Merz as he prepares for the 2025 chancellor campaign.
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