Friedrich Merz, the CDU party leader and Chancellor, defended Germany’s unsuccessful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. On Wednesday, Merz expressed thanks to all those who worked with commitment and expertise to push forward Germany’s application, including staff from the Foreign Ministry, diplomatic missions, and various world capitals. He stated that this effort was well-executed and would be beneficial to Germany in the long run, adding, “We applied with conviction. We did not achieve the goal”.
He congratulated all the chosen nations, particularly his direct competitors, Portugal and Austria. Merz noted that a close European partnership and shared responsibility in the United Nations links Germany with both countries. Furthermore, he emphasized that this outcome does not change the roles assigned to Germany within the UN structure. “Germany remains a reliable pillar of the multilateral system. We bear this responsibility with determination” he asserted.
Details from the election showed that Germany was clearly behind its rivals, Portugal and Austria, even in the first round of voting. Portugal secured 134 votes, Austria received 131 votes, and Germany garnered only 104 votes. According to Annalena Baerbock, the current President of the General Assembly (Greens), the required two-thirds majority stood at 127 votes, granting Portugal and Austria a two-year seat on the Security Council.
