World Climate Conference: Merz irritates with assertion about Brazilian metropolis of Belém – Head of State Lula reacts | EUROtoday

Brazil’s head of state Luis Inácio Lula da Silva responded with humor to what have been perceived as condescending statements made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) about Belém, the venue for the World Climate Conference. If Merz had visited a bar, dined and danced within the state of Pará, whose capital is Belém, he would have discovered about its benefits over Berlin, Lula stated on Tuesday throughout a go to to Pará’s neighboring state of Tocantins.

Last week, shortly after his return from the local weather summit in Belém, Merz referred to the Brazilian metropolis for example that the Germans lived “in one of the most beautiful countries in the world”. At the commerce congress in Berlin, he advised entrepreneurs that he had requested some journalists who had accompanied him to Brazil who wish to keep there.

“No one raised their hand. They were all happy that we returned to Germany, especially from this place where we were, on the night from Friday to Saturday,” stated Merz.

Lula now commented that the Chancellor had “complained a few days ago: ‘Oh, I was in Pará, but I quickly returned home because I really like Berlin’”. From the Brazilian head of state’s standpoint, Merz ought to have gone to a Boteco, a conventional bar in Pará. “He should have danced in Pará. He should have tried Pará’s cuisine,” Lula stated. In his opinion, the Chancellor would then have “realized that Berlin didn’t even offer him ten percent of the quality that Pará offers.”

Lula reacted extra calmly than some Brazilian media and politicians. Pará’s governor Helder Barbalho had criticized Merz’s statements as “biased speech”, whereas Belém’s mayor Igor Normando commented that the chancellor was spreading “prejudice and arrogance”. Representatives of German environmental organizations additionally reacted outraged in Belém.

Shitstorm on social networks

Meanwhile, there was an actual shitstorm about Merz on social networks. The assertion was rated from “rude” to “racist”. Some customers anticipated an apology, others went even additional and demanded that the Chancellor ought to by no means be welcomed in Brazil once more. Local media additionally criticized Merz. There have been additionally statements that insinuated that Merz was looking for votes amongst neo-Nazis in Germany together with his statements. He was additionally accused of displaying the “white supremacy” that led to World War II.

However, there was additionally understanding for Merz on social media. Some Brazilians are criticizing the situations within the metropolis of Belém. It was irresponsible to carry the COP within the metropolis, which was affected by extraordinarily sizzling climate and heavy rain. In addition, it’s not Friedrich Merz’s fault that you would be able to see nice poverty within the metropolis, some customers wrote. It was stated that folks in Brazil don’t love to listen to the reality.

Environment Minister tries to discover a steadiness

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is at the moment making an attempt to clean issues over. He printed an image of a go to to the jungle on social media and praised the hosts: “Brazil is a wonderful country with friendly people and good hosts. It’s a shame that I can’t stay longer after the COP. I have a few ideas, for example fishing with my friends from the Amazon.”

The environmental safety group Greenpeace, for its half, is demanding an apology from the Chancellor. “Friedrich Merz must apologize to the people of Belém,” stated the managing director of Greenpeace Germany, Martin Kaiser. The representatives of the German non-governmental organizations in Belém have been ashamed of the Chancellor. You will expertise an excellent organized COP and expertise nice hospitality from the Brazilians.