Germany suffered a historic defeat in the election for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The country received only 104 votes and missed the required majority. Portugal and Austria secured the two available seats for the 2027 and 2028 period.
The vote took place on Wednesday in New York. Germany finished behind Portugal with 134 votes and Austria with 131 votes. 127 votes were needed for a seat. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called the result a bitter defeat. He ruled out personal consequences and pointed to the late start of the candidacy as well as possible Russian influence. Chancellor Friedrich Merz nevertheless stressed Germany's commitment to the United Nations. Opposition parties such as the Greens criticized the federal government for lacking profile in areas like climate protection and international law.
