UN General Assembly Elects Annalena Baerbock as President
In a surprise turn of events, the UN General Assembly elected Annalena Baerbock, a former German Foreign Minister, as its new president on Monday, receiving 167 out of 174 votes cast by the 193 member states.
Although Baerbock was the only candidate, a member state, reportedly Russia, requested a secret ballot just before the vote, allowing for alternative proposals to be noted on the ballot.
In the past, the General Assembly typically elects its president without a formal vote, as it is usually a formality with no competing candidates. However, the secret ballot allowed for the possibility of alternative candidates.
Baerbock, a member of the German Green Party, has been a vocal advocate for a hard stance against Russia, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine. Her election as president is seen as a significant development, as she will be responsible for leading the General Assembly’s sessions and determining the day’s agenda and procedures.
The election of Baerbock, who was initially not the preferred candidate, has sparked controversy, with some critics questioning her suitability for the role. Her predecessor, Helga Schmid, a seasoned German diplomat, had been the original choice for the position and had received a more favorable reception in Moscow. Schmid ultimately received seven votes in the election.