Germany loses UN Security Council election for first time as Austria, Portugal win seats

Germany lost its first-ever election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, as Austria and Portugal swept the two available spots for the Western Europe group in a single round of voting. The defeat, described by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul as a "heavy defeat", prompted recriminations in Berlin over the government's diplomatic strategy.

The vote

Portugal secured 134 votes and Austria 131, well above the two-thirds majority of 127 required. Germany managed only 104 votes, leaving it far behind in third place. The results were announced by General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, Germany's former foreign minister. The secret ballot involved 191 eligible member states, with Afghanistan and Venezuela currently stripped of voting rights.

Reaction in Berlin

Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged the setback but insisted Germany's role at the UN was unchanged.

Germany remains a reliable pillar of the multilateral system. We carry this responsibility with determination.

Wadephul, who had been in New York since Friday lobbying delegates, called it "a real disappointment" and said he had considered personal consequences but ultimately saw no grounds to resign. Opposition voices were sharper. Agnieszka Brugger, deputy parliamentary leader of the Greens, called the outcome "this embarrassing defeat" and blamed Merz and Wadephul for failing to give the bid modern substance.

Pointing fingers at Moscow

Wadephul openly blamed Russia for stirring up opposition to Germany's candidacy.

It is no secret that Russia stirred up sentiment against Germany. There is our firm support for Ukraine; the fact that Russia does not want such a voice at the Security Council.

He also suggested that Germany's special responsibility toward Israel, rooted in the Holocaust, may have cost votes, especially among states critical of Israeli policies. The minister reaffirmed Germany would not abandon that responsibility.

Political fallout

The result was seized upon by domestic political rivals. CDU/CSU foreign affairs spokesman Jürgen Hardt termed it "regrettable", while the SPD's Adis Ahmetovic called it a "noticeable foreign policy setback". Left party leader Ines Schwerdtner branded it a "slap for the so-called foreign chancellor", and AfD chief Alice Weidel added another "embarrassment" to the government's record. The loss adds to the difficulties of Merz's coalition government, which is struggling with economic reforms.

Wider dynamics

Observers pointed to structural factors. Many smaller states resent the dominance of the five permanent veto powers and may have been reluctant to see another large country like Germany join the council. Germany's relatively late campaign also gave an advantage to Portugal and Austria, which had announced their bids earlier. The country remains the fourth-largest financial contributor to the UN, but that did not sway the assembly.

Portugal

134 votes

Austria

131 votes

Germany

104 votes