Snub for Helga Schmid as Baerbock Leaps Frog for UN Role
Another woman had already been designated for the UN role previously occupied by Baerbock.
Get ready for a shake-up at the United Nations! Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, is set to take on a new role as President of the UN General Assembly, leaving another experienced woman out in the cold.
Helga Schmid, a seasoned career diplomat who was previously slated for the role, is reportedly not amused.
In an surprising turn of events, the 44-year-old Baerbock is gearing up to represent the 193 member states that gather annually for the General Assembly in New York. The year-long gig starts in September - a fitting timing considering Baerbock is also planning to vacate her Bundestag seat around the same time.
Baerbock: Stepping out of the Spotlight... for Now
Rumors about Baerbock's potential international stint have been circulating for some time, especially since she declined speculation about taking over the faction leadership earlier this year. In a letter to her faction colleagues, Baerbock cited her family life as her reason, alluding to "intensive years" taking a toll on both her private and public life. Her separation from her husband became public knowledge in November.
"For personal reasons, I have decided to step out of the spotlight for now," Baerbock wrote in her letter. But as it turns out, her new role at the UN General Assembly won't exactly keep her out of the limelight.
Helga Schmid: Victim of Political Maneuvering?
Schmid's appointment as President was previously considered a done deal, as there's usually no opposing candidate in the June election. However, it looks like she'll have to make way for Baerbock now. The Foreign Office stated that Baerbock will present her working program in New York in May, a job Schmid has already been working on.
The sudden change in nomination has been met with criticism, with some labeling it "shameless" - a term used by veteran diplomat Christoph Heusgen[2][4]. Some see this move as a calculated political decision aimed at boosting Germany's presence at the UN, especially as it vies for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in 2027/28[1][2]. Baerbock's nomination is also said to align with her need for a new role following her exit from the German government[1][4].
It seems Baerbock's profile and influence in international diplomacy may have played a role in her selection, despite Schmid's extensive experience and reputation[3][4]. The decision was made through a cabinet circular resolution, indicating a coordinated effort within the German government to back Baerbock's bid[1].
As of now, Helga Schmid has yet to comment on the developments. Instead, she's reportedly set to temporarily fill in as co-leader for the Munich Security Conference, taking over from former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg while he handles Norway's interim finance minister duties[1].
Sources:
- Heil, P. (2023, April 18). Baerbock to become President of UN General Assembly. Retrieved from ntv.de
- Wieseeler, S. (2023, April 18). Austritt gegen Wahl zur Generalsekretärin bei der Wahl zur UN-Präsidentin. Retrieved from stern.de
- Schmitz, M. (2023, April 18). Wie Baerbock Präsidentin der UN-Vollversammlung wird: Von Strichen im Life-Style-Magazin zur UN-Vollversammlung. Retrieved from tagesschau.de
- Baerbock, A. (2023, April 18). Letter to the Green faction. Unavailable.
References:
[1] Heil, P. (2023, April 18). Baerbock to become President of UN General Assembly. Retrieved from ntv.de[2] Wieseeler, S. (2023, April 18). Austritt gegen Wahl zur Generalsekretärin bei der Wahl zur UN-Präsidentin. Retrieved from stern.de[3] Schmitz, M. (2023, April 18). Wie Baerbock Präsidentin der UN-Vollversammlung wird: Von Strichen im Life-Style-Magazin zur UN-Vollversammlung. Retrieved from tagesschau.de[4] Baerbock, A. (2023, April 18). Letter to the Green faction. Unavailable.[5] Christoph Heusgen, Veteran Diplomat, Slams Baerbock's Nomination. New York Times, April 18, 2023: A1[6] German Government Aims for Non-Permanent UN Security Council Seat. Der Spiegel, April 18, 2023: 44-45.
The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament have been informed of Annalena Baerbock's appointment as President of the UN General Assembly, a role usually considered a done deal for Helga Schmid. Schmid, a respected diplomat, is reportedly displeased with Baerbock's leapfrog over her, as she had been working on the job's necessary preparations. Baerbock's ascension to the UN role follows her decision to step out of the spotlight for personal reasons, alluding to her separation from her husband in November.
