One morning, the United Nations General Assembly changes dramatically!

On Monday afternoon, Annalena Baerbock, known as the "trampoline foreign minister," was elected President of the United Nations General Assembly at a plenary meeting held in New York UN headquarters with 167 votes. This is less than a month since Baerbock left her position as German Foreign Minister! This job requires quite strong diplomatic skills, and some critics believe that this is exactly Baerbock's biggest weakness.

In response to being elected the "number two" of the United Nations, Baerbock expressed heartfelt gratitude and vowed to become an "honest mediator" for the United Nations General Assembly. She explained that she is the fifth woman in the 80-year history of the United Nations to hold this position. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of women "having a place at the negotiating table." Her motto is: "Together we achieve excellence."

Baerbock speaks at the United Nations

The election of the plenary session is considered a routine matter. Usually, under circumstances like Baerbock's, where there is only one candidate running, the appointment can be confirmed by applause, meaning no formal election is needed.

However: This vote has been changed to a secret ballot.

According to diplomatic sources, Russia, as a permanent member of the Security Council, supported this voting method to elect the President of the United Nations General Assembly instead of the usual applause method.

Although Baerbock is the only candidate, seven United Nations member states listed Helga Schmid, a senior German diplomat, on their ballots. Among the 193 member states, there were 188 valid votes, with Baerbock receiving 167 votes and 14 abstentions.

Report from Der Spiegel

Schmid was initially designated as Germany's candidate for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly. However, the Scholz government surprisingly nominated Baerbock in February. According to German media reports, the Union Party led by Merz and the SPD led by Scholz exchanged this nomination with the Green Party's support for the latter's proposal of a new 500 billion euro fund proposal.

This move has faced severe criticism both domestically and internationally in Germany. In recent weeks, Russia has not hidden its view that Baerbock is unsuitable for the position of President of the United Nations General Assembly. Russia criticized Baerbock's candidacy as an "insult" to the United Nations and accused her of "incompetence" and "extreme partisanship." As Foreign Minister, Baerbock took a tough stance against Russia during the Ukraine war.

Baerbock among representatives of member states

Baerbock's official inauguration ceremony is planned for September 9, when she will host the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly with state guests from around the world. As President of the United Nations General Assembly, Baerbock will begin chairing meetings of the United Nations General Assembly this autumn, setting meeting procedures and agendas. The position mainly focuses on protocol and differs from the role of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Compared to the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Security Council, which has 15 members and five veto powers, is considered to have greater power. It can adopt resolutions with international legal binding force. On the other hand, political decisions made by the United Nations General Assembly usually have greater symbolic significance and are seen as a reflection of global sentiment.

Baerbock meets with Zelensky

Nevertheless, Baerbock can still "make achievements" in the chairmanship position. During her term, two key votes will take place:

Firstly, Germany hopes to run for a seat as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2026 to complete its term in 2027/2028. The chairman may play an important role in the voting process.

Secondly, the selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations is also ongoing. The newly appointed president, Baerbock, can "promote the transparent process strongly advocated by one of her predecessors - Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark in 2015/2016." For example, she can insist that candidates submit and publish application documents and introduce themselves at the United Nations General Assembly.

The German Foreign Ministry also pointed out urgent issues within the United Nations: "Due to some member states announcing reductions in their contributions, the United Nations is facing increasing financial pressure." Germany has negotiated a "future contract" with the United Nations, which now needs the United Nations General Assembly and the presidency to promote this process.

Baerbock must find allies for all these votes and reforms. The chairman also has sovereignty over the famous meeting room with a marble podium where Baerbock sits.

Baerbock used to be a trampoline athlete

However, in recent years, she has repeatedly been criticized for lacking diplomatic skills. For example, she referred to "fighting Russia" during the 2023 European Council meeting. And in the chairmanship position, she may continue to support Ukraine, viewing Russia as the greatest adversary, thus losing neutrality.

The term of the President of the United Nations General Assembly is only one year. "Trampoline Minister" Baerbock will certainly not just "go through the motions"; her ultimate goal might be the position of United Nations Secretary-General or Germany's second female chancellor.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7511476643974627876/

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