Tensions flared between Brazil and Germany this week after Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, publicly criticised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In an emotional post on X, Paes initially called Merz “Hitler’s son,” a “bastard,” and a “Nazi” following comments the Chancellor made about the Brazilian city of Belém.
Post Deleted and Tone Softened
Paes later deleted the inflammatory message, replacing it with a calmer statement.
“That was my way of letting off steam today,” he explained, urging the German Foreign Ministry to ease tensions.
He concluded his post with a reaffirmation of international friendship: “Long live the friendship between Brazil and Germany.”
What Sparked the Row
The dispute began after Merz made remarks at a trade conference shortly after attending the COP30 climate summit in Belém.
According to reports, he suggested that none of the journalists accompanying him had wanted to stay in Brazil and were happy to return to Germany.
In his words, they were “glad … that we finally left that place … and flew back home on Saturday night.”
President Lula Joins the Fray
Merz’s comments drew immediate backlash not only from Paes, but also from Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Lula criticised the Chancellor’s apparent lack of cultural sensitivity, suggesting that Merz could have engaged with local people, tried regional cuisine, or danced to truly understand Belém’s warmth and hospitality.
Broader Diplomatic Implications
The incident highlights deeper strains in Brazilian-German relations.
Many in Brazil see Merz’s remarks as reflecting a broader pattern of European arrogance toward countries in the Global South.
The backlash, both political and public, raises questions about how the two governments can rebuild trust and repair the damage caused by the row.
Can Relations Be Restored?
As Paes’s deleted post circulates and diplomatic reactions unfold, both Berlin and Brasília face the challenge of moving past the controversy.
Whether a gesture of reconciliation can smooth tensions remains to be seen, but the episode serves as a reminder of the sensitivity required in international diplomacy—especially when cultural pride is at stake.
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