"Berlin's support for Ukraine, Israel may have played a role": Germany's FM Wadephul after UNSC seat loss
New York, June 4
Germany has failed in its bid to secure one of the two rotating seats allocated to European countries on the United Nations Security Council, with Portugal and Austria winning election to the UN body, according to a news report by Al Jazeera.
Germany received 104 votes from the 193-member UN General Assembly (UNGA), while Portugal secured 134 votes and Austria received 131, the news report said.
Speaking to reporters after the vote, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul noted that Berlin's support for Ukraine and Israel may have played a role.
"We have always taken a clear stance on certain issues, and these are positions that not all member states share," Wadephul said.
"The fact that Germany must always assume a special responsibility for Israel in the Middle East conflict may also have cost votes," he said.
According to Al Jazeera, Germany, which has already served six terms on the Security Council, was unsuccessful in its attempt to return to the body for a seventh term.
Other countries elected to the council include Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago, which ran unopposed for seats representing Africa and the Caribbean, respectively. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan defeated the Philippines by a vote of 143-49 to claim the seat allocated to Asia.
Reacting to Germany's defeat, a former UN human rights official, Craig Mokhiber, described the result as a significant rebuke. He characterised Germany's failed bid as a "rare moment of justice" and an "unprecedented loss" for the country, arguing Berlin's positions on Palestine, Iran and "repression of human rights defenders inside Germany".
In a post on X, he said, "In a rare moment of justice at the UN General Assembly today, Germany lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat. Germany's scandalous support for genocide in Palestine and aggression against Iran, and its repression of human rights defenders inside Germany, were all on display as the body handed Germany this unprecedented loss."
He continued, "Even former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who presided over the election as current UNGA President, could not save Germany from this well-deserved humiliation. Germany's money can no longer erase its responsibility for genocides in Namibia, Europe, and Palestine."
The newly elected members will begin their two-year terms on January 1, 2027.
The UN Security Council (UNSC) consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this is a blessing in disguise for the UN. Germany's stance on Israel has been a sticking point for many nations. The fact that a former colonial power like them lost to Portugal and Austria shows the world is tired of double standards. Kudos to the smaller nations!
I'm not surprised. Germany has been pushing its agenda too hard. Supporting Israel unconditionally while ignoring Palestinian suffering is a bad look. Even their own foreign minister couldn't save them. This is a strong message from the global community—actions have consequences.
As an American, I see this as a wake-up call for Western powers. The UN is not a club for rich countries anymore. Germany's money and influence couldn't buy votes because people remembered the history—both in Namibia and Europe. It's time for a more equitable world order.
A rare moment of justice indeed! Germany's hypocrisy on human rights is stark—they cheer for Ukraine but ignore Gaza. This loss is a reminder that the Global South is not just a passive audience. India should learn from this: stay independent, don't be a pawn of any bloc.
I think Germany's defeat is a bit overblown. They've lost one election, but they'll likely be back. Still, the criticism about their stance on Palestine is valid. The UN needs to be more inclusive, and this result might push Berlin to rethink its foreign policy.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.