Slip of the Tongue or Strategy? Merz Sparks Outrage in Brazil

WISE NEWS PRESS / WORLD / BERLIN, GERMANY — November 25, 2025

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, already facing internal criticism for recent comments on immigrants, has now drawn intense ire beyond Germany's borders due to remarks made about Brazil.

The Chancellor’s comments, delivered shortly after a brief visit to the Brazilian city of Belem, were perceived as arrogant by Brazilian leadership and media, sparking a diplomatic spat. Brazilian President Lula da Silva responded with sharp irony, while other officials resorted to even harsher comparisons.

Merz had visited Belem, the capital of Para state, earlier this month for a preliminary event ahead of the COP30 Climate Conference. About a week after the trip, which lasted less than 20 hours, Merz spoke at a trade congress in Berlin. "Ladies and gentlemen, we live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world," Merz began, before adding: "I asked some journalists who were with me in Brazil last week, 'Who among you would like to stay here?' No one raised their hand. Above all, they were all happy to be back in Germany from where we were."

"Hitler's Son" Comparison and Brazilian Backlash

Merz's attempt to speak optimistically about Germany, whose economy is facing challenges, was met with fury in Brazil. The Brazilian press ran headlines accusing the German Chancellor of "arrogance" regarding Belem, often called the "heart of the Amazon."

Political reactions were swift. Brazilian President Lula da Silva offered a witty but stinging response: "He should have gone dancing in Para and tasted the food of Para. Because then he would have understood that Berlin doesn't offer even 10 percent of the quality that the state of Para offers him." Para Governor Helder Barbalho also responded sarcastically on X, noting it was interesting that "those who contributed to global warming found the heat of the Amazon strange."

The harshest reaction came from Rio de Janeiro Mayor Eduardo Paes, who labeled Merz "Hitler's son" and a "Nazi" on X. Paes later deleted the post, calling it a way to "vent my stress today" and adding, "Long live Brazil and Germany friendship."

Merz Refuses to Back Down

Despite the backlash and calls for an apology, Merz has not stepped back. The CDU leader stated he did not believe his words damaged German-Brazilian relations, saying only, "I said Germany is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and President Lula would probably agree with that." Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius confirmed the Chancellor would not apologize, adding that while Brazil is undoubtedly beautiful, "I don't think it's too objectionable for the German Chancellor to make a small ranking here."

A History of Controversial Statements

This incident is not Merz’s first controversy. Before becoming Chancellor, he drew criticism in 2023 for referring to the children of immigrants as "little pashas."

Shorty after taking office, he sparked another debate in Potsdam by referencing plans to speed up deportations, stating that previous migration policies were being corrected but "this problem still persists in the cityscape." When challenged by a journalist to clarify what he meant by "cityscape," Merz retorted, "I don't know if you have children. And if you have daughters among them, ask them what I might have meant by that statement. I'm sure they will give you a very clear answer."

These remarks drew ire from immigrant communities and feminists alike, leading to protests. The lasting impact of the "cityscape" comment was evident at a recent Talisman Social Cohesion Award ceremony, where many scholarship holders walked out wearing stickers reading "We are the cityscape" when Merz took the stage.

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