Brazilian President Lula da Silva reacted ironically to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's comments about the city of Belem, suggesting that he should have experienced the local culture.

The President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, reacted ironically to the comments of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who made statements considered insulting towards the city of Belem, the host of the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP30). Merz claimed that the journalists who accompanied him in Brazil were eager to return to Germany, suggesting that Belem is not an attractive place. Lula responded that Merz should have enjoyed the local culture and emphasized that Berlin does not offer the same quality of life as Para.

Criticism of Merz also came from the governor of the state of Para and the mayor of Belem, who denounced the chancellor's prejudices. Later, a spokesperson for Merz expressed regret for the lack of time that prevented him from appreciating the beauty of the region. Lula insisted on the importance of organizing COP30 in the Amazon, despite criticisms regarding infrastructure.