The former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet announced this Saturday that she withdraws her aspiration to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, a position currently held by the Portuguese António Guterres, whose mandate ends in late 2026.
In a video shared on her social networks, Bachelet explained the reasons for her step back: "Some will believe that it was not the time for a candidacy like the one I wanted to represent, when the winds blow strong against principles with multilateralism, against International Law that is permanently transgressed. The existence of climate change is denied by some, despite the scientific evidence, and democracy and human rights are in danger."
The former socialist leader has chosen not to move forward with her project, although she emphasized that she does not regret having presented what she has called a "great challenge."
"I am convinced that it was the moment to raise the voice for these principles that have been a proud banner of my candidacy," she stated, while highlighting that, although she will ultimately not be able to succeed Guterres, "we contributed to establishing in the global debate that the next Secretary-General must be a woman from Latin America."
In the same vein, she defended that the person who assumes the leadership of the organization should be "a truly independent person loyal to the principles of the Charter" of the United Nations, and that they "uphold it rigorously, in front of states, regardless of their size or power."
The former president also expressed her recognition for the support received, thanking the "generous" backing of the presidents of Brazil and Mexico, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Claudia Sheinbaum, as well as that of the Chileans who gave her "their esteem and support."
The announcement comes just a day after the results of the third informal poll held in the Security Council were known, in which Bachelet received only one vote in favor, against eleven against and three "without opinion."