Candidacy speech in New York: Baerbock attacks Russia in first UN appearance

During her first appearance before the United Nations, a Russian representative sharply attacked Annalena Baerbock. The Green Party politician vehemently rejected the false allegations and simultaneously clarified how she intends to shape her role as President of the General Assembly.

Following a sharp personal attack by Russia, Annalena Baerbock called for more respect and honesty during her first appearance before the United Nations as President-elect of the General Assembly. "I really want to ask you, when we talk about difficult issues—and everyone obviously has difficult, different opinions and perceptions—to do so with mutual respect," Baerbock said, addressing Russia's Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Dmitry Polyanski. Polyanski, considered a propaganda-friendly hardliner, had accused Baerbock of "blatant bias" and ignorance when presenting her priorities.

Among other things, he also repeated the Russian claim that Baerbock was "proud of her grandfather, who served in the SS." The Green Party politician countered that anyone who wants to quote history must do so correctly. The statements about her grandfather were false.

Baerbock speaks openly about her grandfather, a Wehrmacht officer deployed on the Eastern Front. Moscow has repeatedly used his Nazi past to discredit the former German foreign minister. As foreign minister, Baerbock pursued a hard line toward Russia during the Ukraine war, repeatedly coming under Moscow's scrutiny.

Baerbock further emphasized in New York that while she would not deny her national identity in her role as President of the General Assembly, she intends to act as a mediator for all 193 member states. Baerbock is running unopposed for the one-year top position, which is primarily considered to be of protocol importance. The official vote for the new office on June 2 is considered a formality. The inauguration would take place on September 9, shortly before the general debate of the UN General Assembly with state guests from around the world.