Following the withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet from the race for United Nations secretary-general, Mexico finds itself without a candidate to support. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that her government will wait for the next stage of the selection process before deciding on a new candidate to back. Bachelet, a former president of Chile, withdrew her candidacy on September 19 after failing to gain enough support in the UN Security Council.
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico had supported Bachelet due to her extensive experience in international affairs, her advocacy for human rights, and her commitment to multilateralism. Alongside Brazil, Mexico was one of the nations that initially backed Bachelet’s bid. With her withdrawal, seven candidates remain in the running to succeed António Guterres, the current UN secretary-general, whose term ends on December 31, 2026.
President Sheinbaum emphasized the need for reforms within the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness in resolving international conflicts and promoting global peace and human rights. She argued that the UN should take a more assertive role in addressing crises worldwide, underscoring Mexico’s ongoing commitment to multilateral solutions.
As the selection process for the next UN secretary-general continues, Mexico’s stance remains undecided. The country will observe the developments and consider its position as the list of candidates evolves and the selection process advances.