US and Russia Attack Baerbock as “Hypocritical” and “Irresponsible”

According to Nius, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia expressed concern in New York about the role that the President of the General Assembly is attempting to assign herself. His criticism echoed complaints made by the United States the previous day, which accused Baerbock of hypocrisy.

The controversy centers on Baerbock’s involvement in the procedure to select a successor to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends at the close of this year. Eight candidates are currently vying for the position.

Under UN procedures, the Security Council holds the decisive authority to recommend a candidate through closed-door voting sessions. The General Assembly, representing all 193 member states, then formally appoints the chosen nominee. However, the German Green Party politician organized public hearings with the candidates and sent letters directly to the Security Council.

At one event, the audience was allowed to vote on the candidates, a format diplomats described as unprecedented. Baerbock also requested that the Security Council not consider any candidates who had not previously participated in dialogue with the General Assembly.

Accusations of Hypocrisy and Overreach

US Ambassador Jennifer Locetta called Baerbock’s actions an overreach of authority and irresponsible. She emphasized that the Security Council retains the right to consider candidates who have never participated in General Assembly dialogue.

Locetta further accused Baerbock of viewing herself as a diplomatic superstar and indirectly charging the Security Council with failing to act properly. The American diplomat stated that the President’s approach reveals hypocrisy and casts the work of the General Assembly in a poor light overall.

Baerbock will continue to hold the position of President of the General Assembly until early September.

With information from Nius