Rafael Grossi faces hurdle as two major powers oppose his UN bid
Race to become next United Nations secretary-general in disarray; Grossi, Argentine head of the UN nuclear watchdog, among seven candidates receiving a veto in the latest Security Council poll, complicating his path to the top job. Leer más
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, faces an obstacle in his bid to become the next United Nations secretary-general after receiving opposition from two permanent members of the Security Council in the latest informal poll. Despite garnering eight votes in favor, Grossi's candidacy is hindered by the presence of permanent members who can obstruct his appointment.
The five permanent powers - Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States - must collectively endorse a candidate to ensure their appointment. The results highlight the ongoing dysfunction in the selection process, which has yet to produce a candidate acceptable to all permanent members. The competition is further complicated by geopolitical rivalries and disparities in regional representation.
The process will continue with other confirmed candidates including Rebeca Grynspan, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Ivonne A-Baki, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Macky Sall, and Olara Otunnu. The next secretary-general will succeed António Guterres, whose term ends in December 2026. Traditionally, the position should rotate between regions, but this is proving challenging due to the current deadlock.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
