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4w ago

Baerbock’s UN Nomination Faces Growing Domestic Criticism

Germany’s decision to replace career diplomat Helga Schmid with Annalena Baerbock for the UN General Assembly presidency has drawn public and expert backlash.

Helga Maria Schmid war bis Ende 2024 Generalsekretärin der Organisation für Sicherheit und Zusammenarbeit in Europa (OSZE)
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Annalena Baerbock in New York
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Overview

  • Annalena Baerbock, Germany's outgoing foreign minister, has been nominated for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for the 2025/26 session, replacing diplomat Helga Schmid.
  • The nomination has been criticized by former UN ambassador Christoph Heusgen, who argues it undermines Germany's credibility and dismisses Schmid's extensive groundwork for the role.
  • A recent YouGov poll shows that 57% of Germans view Baerbock's nomination negatively, with only 28% expressing a positive or somewhat positive opinion.
  • Baerbock has defended the decision, emphasizing collaboration in preparing Germany's candidacy and the importance of addressing global challenges in the UN framework.
  • The decision aligns with Germany's strategic ambitions, including a bid for a UN Security Council seat, but critics view it as prioritizing political considerations over diplomatic expertise.