German Chancellor will not apologize for speech about Belém, says government

German Chancellor says journalists were happy to leave Belém after COP30 The German Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will not apologize for his controversial statement about Belém and does not see any damage to diplomatic relations between Germany and Brazil, said government spokesman Stefan Kornelius at a press conference this Wednesday (19). ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp Kornelius’ speech, however, contradicted the interpretation that the prime minister had expressed “displeasure” or even “repulsion” for Belém. At the same time, the spokesperson stated that Merz’s speech was taken out of context. Shortly after returning from a trip to the capital of Pará, the German leader sparked controversy when he stated that the German journalists who accompanied him at COP30 “were happy” to leave Belém and return to Germany. (Read more below) Impression of Belém was “very positive”, says spokesman Friedrich Merz Ralf Hirschberger/AFP Kornelius said that Merz’s impression of his trip was “very positive” and “there is no doubt that Brazil is our most important partner in geostrategic and economic terms in South America”. “Allow me to add something to this sentence that is now presented in an incriminating way”, said Kornelius, highlighting that Merz’s controversial statement “essentially concerned the delegation’s desire to return home after a very tiring night flight and a long day in Belém”. “He said that we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and he was referring to Germany,” explained Kornelius. “Brazil is certainly also among the most beautiful countries in the world. But the fact that the German Chancellor is making a small distinction here doesn’t seem to me to be something reprehensible.” Asked whether Merz would apologize or whether he saw any damage to relations, Kornelius replied: “No, twice.” Comment on Belém President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz greet each other after a bilateral meeting during the Belém Climate Summit, a preparatory event for COP30, this Friday (7). REUTERS/Adriano Machado Last Thursday, in a speech at the German Trade Congress, Merz drew a parallel with Brazil, citing his visit to Belém days earlier, aiming to praise Germany’s qualities. “Ladies and gentlemen, we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I asked some journalists who were with me in Brazil last week: ‘Which of you would like to stay here?’ Nobody raised their hand. Everyone was happy that we returned to Germany on the night of Friday to Saturday, especially from where we were.” The German leader’s speech, which gained prominence this week, had a bad reaction in Brazil and also among German politicians. The mayor of Belém, Igor Normando (MDB), called Merz’s speech “unfortunate, arrogant and prejudiced”. In a speech during the inauguration of a bridge in the interior of Tocantins, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) countered the German’s speech and said that Merz should have enjoyed the culture and cuisine of Pará during his visit to Brazil and listed a series of attractions and activities, stating that “Berlin does not offer 10% of the quality” of Pará and Belém. READ ALSO: Brazilians ‘invade’ profile of German chancellor after statement about Brazil Merz’s gaffes: chancellor who said that Germans liked leaving Brazil is notorious for embarrassing statements

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