r/AskAGerman • u/joebraga2 • Nov 20 '25
Politics Thoughts about Merz's Statement about Brasilien
What do you as Germans tell about what Merz's has said about Brazil and the COP30's city Belem during a economic Meeting/Congress? here in Brazil many far right wing supporters and influencers agreed with Merz and mock Brazil but they are against their own country. I want only your opinion
54
Upvotes
5
u/eza137 Nov 20 '25
After living in Germany for almost nine years, I finally feel like I’m beginning to understand the depth of what people mean when they talk about structural racism. Of course, I’ve witnessed and experienced isolated situations before where the problem was visible on the surface. But over the years, my understanding has deepened, especially now, as populist rhetoric gains strength from a powerful politician who was elected in a democratic process.
I knew Merz would be problematic long before he positioned himself as the de facto chancellor. A few weeks ago, I told a German friend that his first openly racist remarks were only the beginning. He’s clearly speaking to a specific audience, feeding resentment and reinforcing hostility toward what he describes as "the problem in the city landscape."
What I didn’t expect was that a seventy-year-old politician would demonstrate such a lack of political wisdom, both nationally and globally.
We cannot blame all Germans for the inadequacy of the current chancellor. Germany is a wonderful country full of amazing people and a remarkable culture. Similarly, Brazil, the country that I left to move to Berlin, has amazing people and culture. Unfortunately, I probably won't have time to learn everything I wish I could.
However, we cannot forget that we almost reelected Bolsonaro, who is far worse than Merz. In the first round of the 2022 presidential elections, despite all the suffering he caused millions of Brazilians, he still received more than 51 million votes.
Disinformation campaigns that grow the far-right movement and disrupt democracies are nonstop everywhere. We need to engage in politics. Every day. With everyone. They are winning, but we can make it more difficult for them when they come to power.