Succession as UN Secretary General: Applicants fail due to veto powers
Quick Look
- Rebeca Grynspan remains favorite for the post of UN Secretary-General after the sixth test vote in the Security Council.
- Despite the leadership, she received two veto votes, which jeopardized the transparent selection process initiated by Annalena Baerbock.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The selection process for the UN Secretary-General requires the approval of 9 of the 15 Security Council members and cannot include vetoes from the five permanent members.
The previous favorite for the office of UN Secretary General, the former Vice President of Costa Rica, Rebeca Grynspan, can still hope. In the sixth test vote in the UN Security Council, the 70-year-old was once again at the top of the field of candidates.
9 of the 15 member states spoke in favor of Grynspan. One state abstained. Five states voted against it, including two veto powers. This became visible because the five veto powers voted with red ballot papers for the first time.
However, since the vote is secret, it remained unclear who the two opposing veto powers were. UN observers assume that it is probably Russia and the USA.
Baerbock’s transparent selection process is at risk
To become UN Secretary General, you not only need the approval of at least 9 of the 15 member states. In addition, none of the five veto powers can vote no.
UN observers are now assuming two scenarios: either Grynspan will succeed in changing the minds of the veto powers that are still opposed in further talks. Or the veto powers will present a completely new candidate in the next few weeks.
However, this would mean that the previous transparent selection process, which the former President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock had initiated in order to end the usual selection of top personnel among the veto powers, would have failed.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Grynspan is holding further talks with veto powers.
Possible · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Which two veto powers voted against Grynspan?
- Will a new candidate be presented?
