SAO PAULO: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his country’s backing for former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet as the next United Nations Secretary-General, despite Chile’s recent withdrawal of support.
“Bachelet is highly qualified and has the best credentials for the role,” Lula wrote in a post on X, emphasizing Brazil’s commitment to her candidacy.
Earlier this week, Chile’s new government announced it would abstain from endorsing any candidate in the UN Secretary-General race. President Jose Antonio Kast, who assumed office this month, has previously criticized Bachelet’s presidency, signaling a shift in Chile’s international stance.
Meanwhile, Mexico has confirmed its continued support for Bachelet. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that her country remains firmly behind Bachelet’s bid, underlining regional solidarity in Latin America for her potential UN leadership.
Bachelet, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and twice-elected President of Chile, brings extensive experience in diplomacy, human rights, and multilateral governance qualities that Brazil and Mexico argue make her a leading contender for the global position.
As the selection process progresses, Bachelet’s candidacy highlights the growing influence of Latin American nations in shaping key international leadership roles within the United Nations, reflecting broader regional aspirations for representation on the global stage.
– David Bavier
