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2w ago

UN General Assembly Elects Annalena Baerbock in Rare Secret Ballot Despite Russian Opposition

She will take office in September as the 80th session president with a unity-focused agenda headlined “Better Together”

Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany, second from right, talks with delegates in the United Nations General Assembly, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany, center, is greeted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, right, and current UNGA President Philemon Yang, left, after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Annalena Baerbock of Germany addresses the United Nations General Assembly after she was elected as president of the 80th session of the body, Monday, June 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

Overview

  • In a secret ballot requested by Russia, Baerbock secured 167 votes to lead the 80th UN General Assembly while 14 countries abstained and 7 supported Helga Schmid.
  • Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador labeled Baerbock as “incompetent” and “extremely biased,” citing her tenure as Germany’s foreign minister.
  • Germany replaced its initial nominee, senior diplomat Helga Schmid, with Baerbock after she lost her foreign affairs post in February’s elections.
  • The one-year presidency rotates by region and carries a largely ceremonial mandate, with Baerbock set to preside over the annual world leaders’ gathering in September.
  • Under the theme “Better Together,” Baerbock has pledged open dialogue with all member states and received support from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres for collaborative action on global crises.