US Seeks New Candidates for UN Chief Amid Dissatisfaction with Current Field
The US administration is reportedly seeking new candidates for the next UN Secretary-General, dissatisfied with current contenders and pushing for major institutional reforms.
The race for the next United Nations Secretary-General has taken an unexpected turn as the Donald Trump administration reportedly remains dissatisfied with all seven current candidates. According to sources within the US administration, Washington is seeking a reformer who can fundamentally shake up the international body, which is currently facing deep political and financial crises.
Among the new names emerging in diplomatic discussions are several prominent figures, including former Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioğlu, who currently serves as the Secretary-General of the OSCE. While Sinirlioğlu previously led Turkey's reconciliation efforts with Israel in 2016, his tenure as Turkey's UN ambassador was marked by sharp criticism of Israel, including accusations regarding military operations in the Gaza Strip. His potential candidacy has drawn significant attention and concern in Jerusalem.
Another contender under consideration by Washington is Nikolay Mladenov, the senior Bulgarian diplomat who serves as the high representative of the peace council established by Donald Trump to oversee the future of Gaza. Mladenov maintains close contacts with both Israeli and Palestinian figures, leading ongoing discussions regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of an alternative governance mechanism in the enclave.
In a more unusual development, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also been mentioned in diplomatic circles. Infantino, a prominent ally of Donald Trump who recently presented him with FIFA's inaugural peace award, has maintained international soccer operations involving Israel while managing regional pressures. Meanwhile, Lana Nusseibeh, a senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates and former UN ambassador, has also entered discussions, having previously condemned the October 7 attacks while criticizing Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The American pushback particularly impacts the current frontrunner, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, who could potentially become the first female and first Jewish Secretary-General. Despite her deep personal ties to Israel and condemnation of the October 7 massacres, some US congressional Republicans have voiced concerns regarding UN reports attributing Palestinian economic collapse to Israeli policies. Other remaining contenders include IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, while the decisive UN Security Council straw poll approaches on October 16.