Row with Russia Can't Stop Baerbock's UN Ascension
- Approx - 2 Min Read
Russia's actions have annoyed Baerbock, yet she remains likely to secure election - Russia finds Baerbock annoyingly elected, yet she remains in office.
German Green Party politician Annalena Baerbock is now the President of the United Nations General Assembly, managing to edge through a controversial voting process despite Russia's disapproval. In a successful vote, Baerbock received 167 votes, a decisive majority, despite a last-minute request for a secret ballot by Russia.
Tension before the Election
Baerbock, a 44-year-old former foreign minister, ran against no opponent for the high-profile one-year position of the largest UN body with 193 members. The election on September 6 was predicted to be a mere formality, usually approved unanimously by acclamation. However, a secret ballot was demanded, with reports suggesting Russia was the initiator.
A UN spokesperson confirmed this to the German Press Agency in New York, adding fuel to the fire of tension between Baerbock and Russia. Diplomats expressed that Moscow had issues with Baerbock due to her hardline stance against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, which had often provoked Russia's ire.
Looking Past Controversy to Victory
This unusual request for a secret ballot was uncommon, as elections typically take place through acclamation or a straightforward vote. Although the voting process was a bit rocky, Baerbock's election eventually proved to be a success, ensuring her term as President.
In the past, German diplomat Helga Schmid was initially considered for the same position, but she was accepted without controversy. Baerbock's later candidacy, following the German federal election loss, was met with criticism.
A Prestigious Role with Limited Influence
Although the position grants Baerbock the responsibility of chairing the sessions of the General Assembly and setting its agenda, it should not be confused with the role of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. Baerbock's direct line to foreign ministers worldwide should provide her with resources to subtly impact decision-making processes.
However, the UN Security Council, with its veto-wielding members, remains more influential, capable of issuing legally binding resolutions. In contrast, the political decisions of the General Assembly tend to hold more symbolic value and reflect global public opinion.
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[1]: "Annalena Baerbock voted to become UN General Assembly President" - (WWW.DW.COM/EN)[2]: "Germany's Annalena Baerbock named President of UN General Assembly" - (WASHINGTONPOST.COM)[3]: "Baerbock takes office as Germany's foreign minister" - (POLITICO.COM)[4]: "Annalena Baerbock's rise to power after green party win" - (BBC.COM)[5]: "Controversial election of Annalena Baerbock as UN General Assembly President" - (CNN.COM)
- Despite Russia's objections, the Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of policy and legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, as the recent election of Annalena Baerbock as President of the United Nations General Assembly demonstrated politics at play in global news.
- Given her contested election and hardline stance against Russia, Annalena Baerbock's tenure as President of the United Nations General Assembly may influence future policy-and-legislation discussions on various global issues, including general-news topics such as war-and-conflicts.
