Waltz Raises Questions About Bachelet’s Future UN Role

Mike Waltz, the U. S. representative to the United Nations, made headlines on Wednesday when he echoed a senator’s doubts about former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet’s suitability for the top UN post. The comments came during a Senate committee hearing where Senator Pete Ricketts criticized Bachelet’s 2022 human‑rights report on China, claiming she avoided labeling the treatment of Uyghur Muslims as genocide and promoted abortion as a basic right. Waltz said he could not yet say which candidate the United States would back or oppose, but confirmed that “I share your concerns. ” He also mentioned that Secretary‑of‑State Marco Rubio likely holds similar views. The UN secretary‑general election is scheduled for later this year, with the winner taking office on January 1, 2027. A successful bid requires support from all five permanent members of the Security Council: the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France. Bachelet’s previous work as UN human‑rights chief (2018‑22) and head of UN Women (2010‑13) has earned her praise, yet critics point to her handling of the Uyghur situation and her stance on abortion as potential liabilities.Waltz added that some observers in New York believe the next leader should be a Latin American woman, given no female or Latin American secretary‑general has served yet. He emphasized the need for “the best” candidate who can deliver strong, effective leadership and push reforms, especially in peace and security. He described reform as a top priority. Four individuals have officially declared their candidacy: Bachelet, Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi (currently head of the IAEA), Costa Rican former vice‑president Rebeca Grynspan, and Senegal’s ex‑president Macky Sall. Chile withdrew its support for Bachelet in March after a political shift, but she plans to continue campaigning with backing from Brazil and Mexico. The candidates will engage in live‑streamed dialogues at the UN next week, starting with Bachelet on Tuesday.