Politics · Germany · 22 hrs ago
Merz will miss UN climate summit for birthday dinner with family
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will skip COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, next week.
The UN climate conference overlaps with his 71st birthday, and he plans to have dinner in Berlin with his wife and daughter.
Fridays for Future criticised his absence, saying it sends a poor signal to the international community.
The group’s activist Luisa Neubauer said the decision undermines Germany’s image as a reliable partner in climate talks.
Nearly 200 countries will discuss limiting global warming and supporting poorer countries at the two-week summit.
More than 70 heads of state and government are expected, along with tens of thousands of other attendees.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend the UN climate conference COP31 in Turkey.
The conference overlaps with his 71st birthday, when he plans to have dinner in Berlin with his wife and daughter.
Fridays for Future activist Luisa Neubauer criticized his absence as a poor signal to the international community.
The conference in Antalya is due to bring together nearly 200 countries to discuss limiting global warming and helping poorer countries.
- Who
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will miss the conference. Fridays for Future activist Luisa Neubauer criticized his decision.
- What
- Merz will not travel to COP31 and plans a birthday dinner with family in Berlin.
- When
- The conference begins Monday and runs for two weeks. Merz’s birthday is Wednesday.
- Where
- The conference is in Antalya, Turkey; Merz plans to dine in Berlin.
- Why
- The conference coincides with Merz’s 71st birthday, and he plans to spend time with his wife and daughter.
Fridays for Future
Friedrich Merz
Signal to the international community
Fridays for Future
Neubauer said Merz’s absence was the worst possible signal and undermined Germany’s image as a reliable partner.
Friedrich Merz
Merz is not attending the conference and plans to spend his birthday with family.
Priorities
Fridays for Future
Neubauer said Germany’s absence was an insult, particularly to countries threatened by rising sea levels.
Friedrich Merz
Merz’s reported schedule includes a cabinet meeting in the morning and a family dinner.
The UN climate conference in Antalya is due to begin, with talks scheduled to run for two weeks.
Merz is due to spend his 71st birthday in Berlin with his wife and daughter rather than attend the conference.
- Conference
- COP31
- Location
- Antalya, Turkey
- Duration
- Two weeks
- Countries
- Nearly 200
- Merz’s birthday
- 71st
- Planned birthday meal
- Dinner with his wife and daughter in Berlin
What people are saying
the worst possible signal to the world community
a wonderful birthday present