Strong criticism of Merz and Wadephul

“Disgraceful defeat”

Defeat in New York: Politicians criticize Merz and Wadephul

Germany missed entry into the UN Security Council and remained well behind Austria and Portugal in New York. Now the pressure is growing on Merz and Wadephul.

It wasn’t enough: Germany had to admit defeat to Austria and Portugal in the election for a place on the UN Security Council. The German application clearly missed the necessary 127 votes.

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Germany would continue to support the multilateral order. “The tasks set for us in the United Nations will not change as a result of this result,” the Chancellor said on Wednesday evening. “Germany remains a reliable pillar of the multilateral system. We bear this responsibility with determination.” Wadephul described the result as a “bitter defeat”. He ruled out any personal consequences.

Jürgen Hardt, the Union’s foreign policy spokesman, told t-online: “It is regrettable that Germany’s application for a seat on the United Nations Security Council was not accepted. Germany has been a strong, recognized supporter of the United Nations for years. Respect, justice, peace – these key words with which Germany campaigned for a seat remain important and oblige us regardless of the candidacy.”

He is sure that the Federal Government will support Austria and Portugal to the best of its ability in their work in the Security Council. “It is important that the EU’s voices in the Security Council work together and effectively for multilateralism, peace and respect for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. There can be no neutrality here, especially in view of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has been going on for years in violation of international law.” In the future, the group of Europeans will have to vote earlier. “Then we can potentially avoid competing applications for the non-permanent seat on the Security Council.”

Ines Schwerdtner, party leader of the Left, speaks of a “defeat for the so-called Foreign Chancellor Friedrich Merz.” Schwerdtner emphasizes that it has never happened before that Germany applied for a seat and was not elected. This is “the acknowledgment that Germany has kept its mouth shut in the decisive conflicts of these days and has not clearly identified violations of international law,” she told t-online. She refers to Gaza, Venezuela and Iran: “Germany has remained silent about breaches of international law when the USA or Israel have committed them.” Schwerdtner sees another reason as Germany having reduced development aid. “That’s not how you win elections at the UN. And so, in my opinion, Germany has no place in its highest body.”