Chile withdraws support for former President Bachelet as UN Secretary-General

(Patria) - Chile has withdrawn support for the candidacy of former President Michelle Bachelet for United Nations Secretary-General, but she said that, with the support of Brazil and Mexico, she will continue her candidacy to lead the world organisation for five years starting in 2027, Reuters reported.

Jose Antonio Kast, who was sworn in as President of Chile on March 11, sharply shifting to the right, has repeatedly criticised Bachelet's presidency. He said that his leftist predecessor Gabriel Boric was wrong to support her nomination.

In a statement, the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Bachelet's candidacy is unsustainable and has no chance of success. The ministry added that it will refrain from supporting any candidate in the electoral process.
Bachelet is among the leading candidates to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In a statement later on Tuesday, she said she would continue her candidacy with the support of Brazil and Mexico.

"A candidacy at this level is never an easy task, but the values and principles that have marked my life lead me to accept this challenge with responsibility and conviction," Bachelet said, adding that she understands that "foreign policy changes with a new administration."

Bachelet was the first female head of state in Chile. She served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022 and as Executive Director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013.

The UN Security Council will formally recommend a candidate to the General Assembly for election as the 10th UN Secretary-General later this year.

"Bachelet can still move forward because she has the support of both Mexico and Brazil," said Richard Gowan, director for global affairs and institutions at the International Crisis Group.

While the lack of support from her home country could be a problem for some UN member states, Gowan added that Bachelet also faces opposition on other fronts.

"Some Republican politicians in the US have also started targeting Bachelet because of her past support for abortion," Gowan said. "So, she faces multiple challenges that are more about left-right politics in Chile and the US than about her diplomatic skills."

The elections will be held in stages, including public hearings with candidates and secret balloting in the Security Council throughout this year. Ultimately, the five permanent members of the council with veto power – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France – must agree on a candidate.

Other leading candidates include Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the official candidate of Argentina.
Costa Rica has nominated former Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, the Maldives has nominated former Guterres Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba, and Burundi has supported Macky Sall, former President of Senegal.