Minister Schneider started early“The chancellor does not want to offend the feelings of Brazilians”
Environment Minister Schneider defends Chancellor Merz over his words about the location of the climate conference in Brazil. He did not rule out the possibility of failure of negotiations there.
Following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s controversial remarks regarding the location of the World Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, the federal government is working to limit its fallout. After a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider said on ntv Frühstart: “I made it clear that the Chancellor did not mean to insult Brazil and the Brazilian people.” The SPD politician continued, he greeted President Lula from the Chancellor. There is an ongoing friendship between the two countries. He and the entire delegation were “very happy to be here,” Schneider said.
After his visit to Belém, Chancellor Merz spoke about his impressions of the city at a meeting in Berlin. He asked journalists traveling with him who would like to stay there. “Nobody raised their hand,” Merz said. “They are all happy that we are back in Germany, especially from where we are (…).” In Germany you live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
“All cards are on the table”
Shortly before the climate conference officially ended, Schneider considered the negotiations difficult. The disruption caused by a fire at the negotiating venue “was initially a surprise”. We now expect intelligent proposals from the Brazilian presidency. “I can’t say yet how this will play out,” Schneider said.
The SPD politician cited two important points for the EU as the main points of contention: “We want us to have a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels.” The Brazilian President also announced this in a private conversation with him. Moreover, given current estimates, a more robust and credible reduction pathway is needed. For me that is a requirement to get good results here.
When asked whether, in doubt, he would prefer no deal to a bad deal, Schneider said: “All possibilities are on the table.” He traveled to Brazil to achieve success. “And success is when the global community comes together.” But if that doesn’t work and there’s no progress, conference failure is an option. However, discussions are still ongoing. “It’s the 80th minute, you could say – and sometimes there’s still a lot going on.”
