A month after Chile's government withdrew support for Michelle Bachelet's UN Secretary-General candidacy, Communist Party president Lautaro Carmona criticized the move as 'sectarian, selfish, and subservient to Donald Trump,' praising her human rights expertise amid global tensions. Bachelet continues her bid with Brazil and Mexico's backing.
One month after President José Antonio Kast's administration announced on March 24, 2026, the withdrawal of support for former President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for UN Secretary-General—citing dispersed Latin American candidacies—Lautaro Carmona, president of Chile's Partido Comunista (PC), sharply condemned the decision.
In an interview with Radio Nuevo Mundo, Carmona described the government's stance as 'very sectarian, very selfish' and 'very subordinate to the interests of Donald Trump and the North American empire.' He argued it undermines Chile's and global interests during rising international tensions.
Carmona highlighted Bachelet's strong credentials: two terms as Chile's president, plus UN roles on gender equality and human rights. 'They give her a strong credential of capability and political stature,' he said, linking U.S. opposition to her past critiques of American foreign policy.
Despite the withdrawal, Bachelet has affirmed her commitment, supported by Brazil and Mexico. Carmona expressed hope for growing international backing to enable South American leadership at the UN.
