Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Withdraws from UN Secretary‑General Race

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, 74, announced on Saturday that she is withdrawing from the race to become the next Secretary‑General of the United Nations. In a video posted to Instagram, Bachelet said she will continue her international work with “the same determination as always.” Her decision follows a recent United Nations Security Council straw poll in which her support collapsed, leaving her with insufficient backing to remain a viable contender.

Bachelet’s exit reduces the field to seven candidates still vying for the UN’s top diplomatic post. The straw poll, an informal gauge of council members’ preferences, had signaled a sharp decline in her diplomatic support, prompting the former president to end her campaign. The United Nations will now proceed with the remaining candidates as the selection process moves forward toward a final vote.