BERLIN (AP) — The spokesperson for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has firmly denied allegations that the leader intended to belittle Brazil during his recent visit to the city hosting the U.N. climate summit. The controversy arose following remarks made by Merz that sparked significant backlash from Brazilian officials, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the mayor of Belem, the governor of Para state, and several lawmakers. Merz’s comments, delivered during a trade conference in Berlin, were interpreted as an attempt to contrast Germany’s economic struggles with the perceived conditions in Brazil. In his speech, Merz remarked, ‘We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Last week I asked some journalists who were with me in Brazil: Which of you would like to stay here? No one raised their hand. They were all happy that, above all, we returned from this place to Germany in the night from Friday to Saturday.’ On Wednesday, Merz’s spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, addressed the issue at a government news conference, stating, ‘It is far from the chancellor to comment in a derogatory way about Brazil.’ Kornelius emphasized that Merz had utilized his brief visit to Brazil to ‘deepen the excellent relations Germany has with Brazil.’ He further clarified that Merz’s impression of the trip had been ‘very positive’ and reiterated Brazil’s importance as Germany’s ‘most important partner geostrategically and economically in South America.’ Kornelius explained that the disputed remark ‘essentially concerned the wish of the delegation to return home after a very tiring night flight and a long day in Belem.’ He added, ‘When the chancellor says that we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, that doesn’t mean other countries aren’t also very beautiful.’ When questioned about the possibility of an apology or any damage to bilateral relations, Kornelius responded with a definitive ‘No, twice.’
Merz spokesperson defends German leader over remarks criticized in Brazil
