Germany has for the first time failed in its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. In Wednesday’s vote, Berlin lost to Austria and Portugal, marking a significant setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government and its ambitions to strengthen Germany’s role on the international stage.
Source: Bukvy
Portugal received 134 votes, Austria 131, while Germany received 104 votes, short of the required 127. In Berlin, the result was described as unexpected and painful.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the defeat may be linked to the country’s foreign policy positions.
According to him, some states may not have supported Germany due to its clear stance on the war in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
“We have always taken a clear position on certain issues, and these are positions not shared by all member states,” he said.
Wadephul also suggested that Russia may have acted against Germany’s candidacy due to Berlin’s active military support for Ukraine.
He also mentioned Germany’s responsibility toward Israel as a historical element of its foreign policy after the Holocaust.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated the winners of the vote and stated that Germany will continue to be an active participant in the UN and a supporter of multilateralism.
Germany has previously served on the UN Security Council six times, most recently in 2019–2020. The current defeat is considered one of the most significant diplomatic setbacks for Berlin in recent years.