Bachelet Reflects on Challenging UN Secretary-General Bid

In a candid admission, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet expressed her awareness of the uphill battle she faces in her quest to become the next United Nations Secretary-General. During a recent panel discussion on migration in Santiago, she humorously noted, "That's what I ask myself. Perhaps because I know I'm not going to be secretary-general," highlighting the uncertainty surrounding her candidacy.

Bachelet's remarks come in the wake of the Security Council's second informal poll, which revealed a troubling decline in her support. According to reports from the digital outlet PassBlue, Bachelet's votes dropped sharply from six "encourage" votes in July to just two, accompanied by six "discourage" votes and seven abstentions. This placed her in seventh position among the eight candidates, just ahead of Ecuador's Ivonne A-Baki.

Despite her dwindling support, Bachelet remains focused on her vision for the UN, calling for significant reforms to address the financial struggles the organization faces. She noted that the UN has lost its relevance due to the rise of alternative diplomatic options, emphasizing the need for a more balanced approach to funding, particularly in light of contributions from the United States and China. As the current Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to complete his term by the end of 2026, Bachelet's future in the race remains uncertain.

Source: en.mercopress.com