In a surprising turn of events, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been nominated to take over as President of the UN General Assembly, a position many believed would be filled by highly respected diplomat Helga Schmid. The announcement, made public on March 18, 2025, has sparked considerable uproar among political circles, particularly among those who favored Schmid, who has been noted for her extensive experience and diplomatic finesse.
Baerbock, who has been in her role as Foreign Minister since December 2021, defended her nomination during a press conference in Beirut. She stated, “This appointment follows the analogy of many predecessors, including former foreign ministers and prime ministers.” This justification aims to position her prospective role as a continuation of tradition rather than a politically motivated maneuver.
However, critics, including former SPD Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, voiced their discontent, claiming that Baerbock could benefit from Schmid’s experience. Gabriel remarked, “Helga Schmid is a great diplomat, and Baerbock could learn a lot from her.” Christoph Heusgen, former head of the Munich Security Conference, went even further, labeling the decision to replace Schmid with Baerbock as an “outrage.” He emphasized, “It is a disgrace to remove Germany’s most capable diplomat for an outdated model.”
Schmid, who has dedicated 37 years of her career to the German Foreign Service, has held numerous prestigious positions, including Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) until 2024 and a pivotal role in negotiating the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Her competence and international reputation made her a prime candidate for the UN position.
This unexpected shift in leadership comes at a critical time when Germany is striving to secure a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the years 2027/28. Analysts speculate that a strong diplomatic presence in the General Assembly could enhance Germany’s chances regarding this bid.
However, this nomination is not without its complications. Most notably, Baerbock’s recent past contains instances of controversy, including a misstatement at the Council of Europe in 2023, where she said, “We are fighting a war against Russia and not against each other,” which drew criticism as it does not reflect Germany’s official stance. This has raised concerns about her preparedness for the complexities of international diplomacy.
The reaction in Russia has also been striking, with officials labeling Baerbock as “the granddaughter of a Nazi,” an inflammatory comment that underscores the tense geopolitical climate surrounding her nomination.
From the German perspective, Baerbock’s acceptance of this prominent role may signal an intent to step back from domestic politics. She had previously indicated that she would not pursue a leadership role in the Bundestag, citing family reasons and a desire for a breather after years of high-pressure politics. With two young daughters aged nine and 13, the prospect of balancing a demanding international role with family life raises further questions about her future commitments.
Schmid, on the other hand, is set to maintain a significant role as the Deputy Chair of the Munich Security Conference, where she has been actively engaged since 2020. Although it is not the position initially intended for her, it affirms her continued importance in German and international diplomacy.
The German government’s decision to nominate Baerbock is seen as a matter of national significance, with Cabinet spokesman Steffen Hebestreit asserting, “Annalena Baerbock is highly qualified for this job.” He added that the decision was made in agreement with the future German government to underscore their commitment to the UN.
As the election for the presidency of the UN General Assembly is scheduled for early June, the political ramifications of Baerbock’s nomination will unfold rapidly. Should she take office in September 2025, her presidency will mark a notable shift in Germany’s external diplomatic engagements and could reshape the nation’s role within international forums.
Critics remain skeptical, arguing that the transition from a handpicked diplomat like Helga Schmid to a political figure such as Baerbock raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness and credibility of German diplomacy on the world stage. Yet, for the Green Party and their supporters, Baerbock’s ascent to this high-profile role may represent a significant victory.
Ultimately, the dynamics surrounding this nomination reveal both the complexities of balancing political ambitions with the reality of governance and the weight of reputation in global diplomacy. Germany’s foreign policy landscape is entering an intriguing chapter, defined by public scrutiny, international response, and internal party dynamics as this story continues to evolve.
