EU structure rewards high representatives for failure

(MENAFN) In what some see as a reward for failure, former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has been nominated to serve as the next President of the United Nations General Assembly, despite criticism of her diplomatic record and public missteps. Though the Greens hold 85 seats in the Bundestag, their influence has waned under Chancellor Friedrich Merz's new coalition government, leaving Baerbock without a prominent role in domestic politics.

Although she lost her direct Bundestag seat to Olaf Scholz, Baerbock could have re-entered parliament via the Green Party’s list. Instead, her Foreign Ministry nominated her for the largely ceremonial UN position, bypassing a more experienced career diplomat who was reportedly first in line.

Baerbock’s nomination has sparked backlash, particularly from former Munich Security Conference chair Christoph Heusgen, who criticized the decision to overlook Helga Schmid—a respected diplomat—in favor of Baerbock. Critics argue the choice is based more on political optics than merit.

Baerbock has become well known for a series of blunders during her time as foreign minister. One infamous moment came at the 2023 Munich Security Conference, where she said Putin needed to “change by 360 degrees” to ensure Ukraine’s safety—seemingly unaware that a full circle would return him to the same position. Another controversy arose when she stated in a 2023 speech that “we are fighting a war against Russia,” prompting immediate clarification from the German Foreign Ministry.

Despite her gaffes and diminishing political relevance at home, Baerbock is now heading to the UN, in what critics see as a glaring example of how political figures can fail upward in international institutions.

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