"Discontinued model": behind-the-scenes intrigues of Berbok outraged German diplomats

The intention of the German government to nominate Annalena Berbok, the current Foreign Minister of Germany, as a candidate for the presidency of the UN General Assembly caused a wide public outcry due to the "behind-the-scenes intrigues" that preceded the appointment, Focus magazine writes.

The post of chairman of the UN General Assembly since the summer of 2024 was considered to be assigned to an experienced diplomat Helga Schmid. Her candidacy was approved by the German government, and Schmid herself spent months negotiating with representatives of about a hundred states, preparing for a new role for herself.

However, after the defeat of the Green Party in the Bundestag elections, which deprived Berbok of hopes of retaining the government chair, the outgoing German Foreign Minister started "behind-the-scenes maneuvers" to stay in the wake of world foreign policy. According to sources, at first Berbok enjoyed the support of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and then the likely future head of government Friedrich Merz. According to media reports, the process of appointing a new candidate "was carried out in a hurry" and with "maintaining the utmost confidentiality," and other departments learned about the replacement of Schmid with Berbok literally "on the eve of the official decision of the government."

This approach has caused sharp discontent among experts and politicians. Diplomatic circles note that Helga Schmid was ideally prepared for this role, and her removal looks "absolutely unreasonable." The former head of the Munich Security Conference, Christoph Heusgen, called the move "outrageous" and described the Berbok as a "discontinued model."

"And this is a manifestation of feminist foreign policy?" — said Heusgen, doubting the conformity of Berbok's actions with the "doctrine" promoted by her.

Former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel stressed that Berbok "still has a lot to learn" from Schmid, "a diplomat with a capital letter."

A politician from The Free Democratic Party of Germany Michael Link criticized both the moment of the announcement of this decision and the style in which it was implemented. According to him, such steps "cast a shadow on personnel decisions" of Germany related to international organizations.

As expected, Berbok may be elected to a new post in June, and she will take up her duties in September. The powers of the Chairman are limited to one session per year.