Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister, is set to assume the presidency of the UN General Assembly, a decision that has drawn criticism given her previous avoidance of leadership roles. While the government supports her appointment, emphasizing her qualifications, critics highlight the candidacy of Helga Schmid as a more suitable choice. Baerbock is expected to outline her agenda in May, with the election slated for June, potentially marking a significant shift in her political career amidst personal changes.
Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister, is poised to take on a significant role at the United Nations, stepping into the presidency of the UN General Assembly in New York. This appointment has sparked a wave of criticism.
The German government has made the surprising decision to appoint Baerbock to this prestigious UN position, which was initially expected to be filled by another prominent diplomat. This move has raised eyebrows, especially considering Baerbock’s earlier choice to forgo a leadership role in the Bundestag, claiming she needed time to reflect on “what this moment means for my family and me” after years of intense work. Now, she is set for a major role in New York.
Baerbock’s tenure has been characterized by significant global challenges. What accomplishments can she achieve in this new capacity? And how will this impact her future?
Government’s Support for Baerbock
The federal government has come out in defense of the decision to nominate Baerbock, emphasizing her qualifications and high regard in international circles. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit remarked that the cabinet reached this decision after consultations with the incoming federal government. The intention is to position Baerbock as a candidate for the presidency of the UN General Assembly for the 2025/26 session.
A representative from the Foreign Office highlighted that this high-level candidacy reinforces Germany’s commitment to the United Nations and illustrates the nation’s readiness to shoulder significant responsibility within the multilateral framework during challenging times.
Criticism of the Nomination
Initially, Helga Schmid was the frontrunner for this esteemed role. Christoph Heusgen, former chair of the Munich Security Conference, outlined Schmid’s impressive credentials in the Berliner Tagesspiegel, noting her past roles, including chief of staff for Joschka Fischer and her negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal. He criticized the choice of Baerbock, labeling her an “outdated model” and suggesting that this nomination reflects poorly on Germany’s foreign policy direction.
Former Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel also voiced his concerns, stating that Schmid is an exceptional diplomat and that Baerbock could benefit significantly from her experience.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed Schmid’s qualifications, noting that she will continue to lead operational activities as deputy chair of the Munich Security Conference alongside its president, Wolfgang Ischinger, until a new conference chair is appointed.
Future Prospects for Baerbock
Baerbock is expected to unveil her agenda for the presidency in May, with the election in New York scheduled for early June. Should she win, it is anticipated that the 44-year-old will resign from her Bundestag seat upon taking office. Baerbock previously led the Greens as the first chancellor candidate during the 2021 Bundestag election campaign and has served as Foreign Minister throughout a tumultuous period marked by numerous crises and conflicts. Recently, Baerbock and her husband, Daniel Holefleisch, announced their separation, and reports indicate that her two daughters, aged nine and 13, will accompany her to New York for school.
It’s essential to distinguish the role of the UN General Assembly president from that of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. The president’s primary responsibilities include organizing and presiding over General Assembly sessions and representing the Assembly in external matters—tasks that demand considerable diplomatic acumen, particularly in a body that is becoming increasingly influential.
This topic was reported by Inforadio on March 19, 2025, at 14:05.