Four candidates for UN secretary-general audition this week
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Four candidates are auditioning this week to be the next UN secretary-general, a smaller field compared to 13 candidates in 2016 when António Guterres was selected.
- The candidates include Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), and Macky Sall (Senegal), with Bachelet and Grynspan being the two women in the race.
- The global political climate has grown more polarized and conflicted since 2016, diminishing the UN's influence and leading to a more cautious and strategic approach by candidates and their sponsors to avoid diplomatic fallout.
- Traditionally, the secretary-general rotates by region, and this time it is Latin America's turn, though regional support is mixed, with some candidates losing endorsements from their home countries or regional organizations.
- Michelle Bachelet faces opposition from some US Republicans who have called for a veto against her nomination, citing ideological concerns, which may impact her chances despite ongoing pressure to appoint the first female secretary-general.
