Statement on the Chilean government's decision not to support Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for the UN
16 May 2026
In the coming months, the United Nations will decide who will succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General of the organization.
As Socialist International, we hope that, for the first time in the history of the United Nations, the Secretary-General will be a woman. We also believe that it is Latin America and the Caribbean's turn to assume this historic responsibility, in accordance with the principles of balance and regional representation that should guide the multilateral system.
Beyond that, we hope that the next person to lead the United Nations will promote a reform of the organization that reflects our values and priorities.
Therefore, we observe that our member parties assess in this spirit all candidacies from the region .
Today, our Latin America and Caribbean Committee is holding its meeting in Chile, a country with which we maintain historical relations and which we support during the struggle for democracy.
In these circumstances, we wish to express our rejection of the decision by the Chilean government to withdraw their support for the candidacy of former president Michelle Bachelet to assume the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. This decision, which seems to be led by ideological criteria , jeopardizes the candidacy of a figure widely respected by the international community, for her firm commitment to democracy, social justice, the defense of human rights, and peace .
Following Chile's change of position, Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations received the backing of Mexico and Brazil in an important symbolic move at a time where multilateralism faces very complex challenges.
Our organization reaffirms the importance of promoting candidates with proven track records, democratic legitimacy, and a commitment to international cooperation to usher in this new era in the history of the United Nations. Preserving trust among states and acting with political responsibility are essential to strengthening democracy, defending human rights, and protecting peace.
