UN chief: Backlash for Baerbock over next Secretary-General selection

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's push for a transparent selection process for the next UN Secretary-General has drawn criticism from Russia and the United States. Both nations have accused the German diplomat of interfering in matters reserved for the UN Security Council.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed concern over the "role the President of the General Assembly is trying to assign herself." This echoed a previous criticism from the U.S., which had leveled accusations of "hypocrisy" against Baerbock.

The controversy stems from Baerbock's stated commitment to a "transparent, inclusive, structured, timely, and credible" selection process. While the General Assembly president advocates for such a process, the ultimate decision on the next UN Secretary-General rests with the UN Security Council. The council makes a recommendation through private ballots, which is then formally elected by the 193 member states of the General Assembly. Incumbent Secretary-General António Guterres's term ends this year, with eight candidates currently vying for the position.