Following the unexpected withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet from the race for United Nations secretary-general, Mexico finds itself without a candidate to back. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that the government has yet to decide on an alternative candidate to support. Bachelet, a former Chilean president known for her international experience and advocacy for human rights, withdrew her candidacy on September 19 after failing to gather enough backing from the UN Security Council.
President Sheinbaum expressed Mexico’s initial support for Bachelet, citing her commitment to multilateralism and her distinguished track record in global affairs. With Bachelet out of the race, Sheinbaum stated, “We have no one to support” at this time. Mexico plans to wait for the next stage of the selection process before determining its stance on another candidate.
In her remarks, Sheinbaum also emphasized the need for reforms within the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness in dealing with international conflicts and promoting global peace and human rights. She argued that the UN should adopt a more robust role in addressing crises worldwide.
The search for the next UN secretary-general continues, with seven candidates still in contention. They are vying to succeed António Guterres, whose second term will conclude on December 31, 2026. Both Mexico and Brazil had originally supported Bachelet’s candidacy from the outset of the selection process.