Russia on Baerbock's nomination for UNGA chief: ‘Spit in face’ of UN
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Russia criticizes Germany’s nomination of Annalena Baerbock for UN General Assembly president, calling it an insult amid doubts about her commitment to peace and dialogue.
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Former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock attends the London Sudan conference at Lancaster House in London, Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (AP)
Russia has strongly criticized Germany’s nomination of Annalena Baerbock as the candidate for President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), calling it “a spit in the face” of the UN.
During an informal dialogue at the UN, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy expressed Moscow’s discontent with Germany’s decision to replace the previous candidate, who was considered acceptable to all, with Baerbock.
“The decision of the German government, instead of the previous candidate, who was acceptable to all, to impose Ms. Baerbock on us, as the president of the landmark 80th session General Assembly... is no less than spitting in the face of the UN,” Polyanskiy said.
Polyanskiy further questioned Baerbock’s ability to promote peace and dialogue if elected as the General Assembly president, stating that Russia has “every reason” to doubt her impartiality in the role.
Annalena Baerbock, the former German Foreign Minister, has pledged to ensure that all regions and groups are fairly represented if she assumes the position. Initially, Germany planned to nominate Helga Schmid, former secretary general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), for the post.
Baerbock's nominations sparks further tension
The nomination has added to tensions between Russia and Germany within the United Nations, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical rivalries influencing UN leadership selections.
It also comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries over multiple issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and competing influences within international institutions such as the United Nations. Russia has repeatedly criticized Western attempts to dominate UN leadership roles and impose agendas that undermine the principles of sovereign equality and international law.
Moscow’s strong opposition to Baerbock, a prominent figure in Germany’s Green Party known for her firm stance on Russia and the West’s policies, reflects broader geopolitical rivalries that have increasingly impacted UN decision-making processes.
BRICS and reforming the UNSC
In late April, BRICS foreign ministers convened in Rio de Janeiro and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing meaningful reform of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council.
According to the declaration, BRICS countries support the resumption of discussions aimed at restructuring key UN bodies to reflect more equitable global representation and to achieve tangible progress.
"The ministers reaffirmed their urgent call for reform of the principal bodies of the United Nations... and support for resuming discussions on the reform of the UN Security Council," the document read.
Read more: Medvedev proposes BRICS intl. court as alternative to 'flawed' ICC
