The Trump administration is reportedly opposing all current candidates seeking to become the next United Nations secretary-general, a development that could affect Antigua and Barbuda’s campaign to secure the position for former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa.
According to an exclusive report by POLITICO, Washington is dissatisfied with the existing field of candidates and wants new contenders to enter the race to replace António Guterres, whose term expires on December 31.
The reported position places additional uncertainty around Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic efforts to secure international support for Espinosa, who was formally nominated by Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s government in May.
Browne has personally championed her candidacy, including hosting a reception in her honour during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month. Antigua and Barbuda has presented Espinosa, a former president of the UN General Assembly, as an experienced diplomat capable of leading the organisation through major international challenges.
The United States is one of five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power over the selection of the next secretary-general. Consequently, any candidate opposed by Washington could face significant difficulties securing the appointment.
The POLITICO report also raised questions about American support for UN funding if Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, currently among the leading candidates, is selected.
Grynspan received nine encouraging votes and six discouraging votes in the latest informal Security Council ballot on Wednesday, according to Reuters, demonstrating the divisions surrounding the selection process.
The development comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues advocating for Espinosa, whose nomination forms part of the country’s broader diplomatic engagement at the United Nations.
It remains unclear whether the Trump administration’s reported opposition will result in the withdrawal of existing candidates or the introduction of new nominees.
The Security Council must recommend a candidate who receives at least nine votes without a veto from any permanent member before the General Assembly can make the appointment.
Source: Antigua News Room Trump Administration Opposes UN Leadership Candidates, Including Antigua and Barbuda’s Nominee.