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Chile Withdraws State Backing for Bachelet’s UN Secretary‑General Bid

The reversal under President José Antonio Kast signals a fractured regional push that narrows Bachelet’s path.

Overview

  • Chile’s foreign ministry, which announced the reversal Tuesday, said it is withdrawing state sponsorship and told embassies to halt promotion of Michelle Bachelet’s bid.
  • The government said it will adopt a neutral position if she continues in the race and will not sponsor any other candidate.
  • President José Antonio Kast, who took office on March 11, said promoting her candidacy would carry an “important cost” for Chile.
  • Brazil and Mexico continue to support Bachelet, a two‑time Chilean president and former UN human rights chief, after the joint push began under former president Gabriel Boric.
  • Santiago cited a crowded Latin American field and differences with key electoral actors, as rivals like Rebeca Grynspan and Rafael Grossi run in a contest that proceeds toward year‑end with António Guterres’s term ending December 31, 2026.