Following the withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet from the race for United Nations secretary-general, Mexico currently lacks a preferred candidate to support. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that the government would hold off on endorsing any candidate until the next phase of the selection process.
Mexico had initially backed Bachelet due to her extensive experience in international affairs and her commitment to human rights and multilateralism. Bachelet decided to step down from the race on September 19 after her candidacy failed to gather enough backing in the UN Security Council. Sheinbaum noted the absence of a suitable candidate for Mexico’s support at this time, emphasizing the country’s strategic wait for further developments in the selection process before making a decision.
Both Mexico and Brazil had shown their support for Bachelet from the outset, reflecting a shared vision for leadership at the UN. With Bachelet no longer in the running, seven candidates remain contenders to succeed António Guterres, whose term concludes on December 31, 2026.
In her remarks, Sheinbaum also advocated for reforms within the United Nations to enhance its effectiveness in addressing global conflicts and promoting peace and human rights. She stressed the importance of the organization taking a more active role in resolving international crises.