German climate activists cut a birthday cake intended for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, protesting his decision to skip UN climate negotiations in the Turkish city of Antalya. Merz instead decided to stay home and celebrate his 71st birthday with a family lunch.
Luisa Neubauer, an activist with the Fridays for Future movement, stated that Merz had completely disappointed them with his decision not to attend the talks, and not just them, but the global community. She emphasised that Merz would not simply get away with it. "He decided on his own and arrogantly that he would represent the country and govern it, and that carries consequences, even on his birthday," Neubauer said.
Eleven activists sat at a table in a conference room, surrounded by balloons and a cake they called the Turkish version of a Schwarzwald cake, alluding to the popular German chocolate and cherry cake. Neubauer said they were sending birthday greetings to Berlin, adding that they could only wish him a happy birthday without a happy future. She also noted that they too would like to be able to celebrate their 71st birthday one day, under stable planetary conditions.
After cutting a slice of cake, Neubauer added that it was meant for Friedrich Merz and that it was a shame. The Chancellor, for his part, stated that on his birthday, on Wednesday, he planned to chair the regular weekly government meeting, and then go with his wife and daughter for a pleasant meal at an Italian restaurant.
Last Wednesday, the government spokesperson gave an evasive answer to questions about Merz's absence from the Antalya gathering, noting that there are always different interests and scheduling overlaps.
