Chile Withdraws Support for Michelle Bachelet's UN Secretary-General Candidacy

On March 24, 2026, Chile announced its withdrawal of support for former President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations. This decision comes ahead of an election that will determine the UN leader for a five-year term starting in 2027. The shift follows the recent inauguration of President Jose Antonio Kast, marking a significant political shift to the right in Chile. Kast has openly criticized Bachelet's presidency and has stated that his leftist predecessor, Gabriel Boric, "made a mistake" in endorsing her nomination, which was also supported by Brazil and Mexico.

UsNews and World ReportThe Straits TimesReuters

Bachelet, who served as Chile's first female president and held the position twice, was considered a frontrunner for the UN role. She previously served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022 and as Executive Director of UN Women from 2010 to 2013. The Chilean foreign ministry cited the complexities of the election process and the differences among Latin American candidates as reasons for deeming Bachelet's candidacy "invivable." The ministry further stated that Chile would abstain from supporting any candidate in the election.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportReuters

The withdrawal of support for Bachelet is indicative of a broader political realignment in Chile under President Kast, who has positioned himself against the policies of previous administrations. The UN Secretary-General election process will unfold in stages, including public hearings and a secret straw vote by the UN Security Council. The five permanent members of the Security Council— the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France— will ultimately need to agree on a candidate. Other notable candidates include Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Argentina's official nominee, as well as former Vice President of Costa Rica, Rebeca Grynspan.

ReutersThe Straits TimesUsNews and World Report

Critics of Kast's decision argue that withdrawing support for Bachelet undermines Chile's influence in international diplomacy and reflects a retreat from progressive values. Supporters of Bachelet have expressed disappointment, emphasizing her qualifications and experience in global governance.

UsNews and World Report

Chile's foreign ministry stated, "We have reached the conclusion that given the election, the various candidates of countries in Latin America and the differences with some of the actors who define this process, this candidature and its eventual success is inviable."

UsNews and World Report

• “We have reached the conclusion that given the election, the various candidates of countries in Latin America and the differences with some of the actors who define this process, this candidature and its eventual success is inviable,” — Chile's Foreign Ministry

The Straits Times

This withdrawal marks a pivotal moment in Chile's foreign policy and reflects the ongoing political transformations within the country.

UsNews and World Report