Austria and Portugal have secured seats on the UN Security Council, bringing an end to Germany's 40-year streak. DW examines the foreign policy questions arising from Berlin's defeat.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul received the outcome with a grim expression: The UN General Assembly had elected Portugal and Austria as non-permanent members of the Security Council for 2027 and 2028 β but not Germany.
Wednesday's decision in New York marked the most significant foreign policy setback yet for the coalition government comprising the center-right Christian Democrats/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party, which has been in power for just over a year.
Speaking with ARD television several hours later, Wadephul acknowledged this. He even disclosed that he had contemplated resigning in the event of a loss, but ultimately rejected the idea.
"I have nothing to reproach myself for," the CDU politician said. However, he admitted that the decision was "a genuine disappointment" and pledged to carry out a "thorough analysis" of the factors behind Germany's failure.
How Germany's aid reductions may have cost it support
After the United States, China, and Japan, Germany is the largest contributor to the UN budget. Why was that insufficient to secure the required votes, particularly from countries in the Global South?
Critics β especially from Germany's opposition parties β have argued that government cuts to previously dependable development assistance are responsible.
Germany fails in bid for temporary seat on UNSC
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This view is shared by nongovernmental organizations such as ONE, which advocates for investment in Africa.
"Those who, like the German government, want to make drastic cuts to development cooperation for the fifth consecutive time should not be taken aback by a lack of support on the international stage," said Lisa Ditlmann, the NGO's director in Germany, after the vote.
Other critics see Germany's delayed application and its hesitant campaign for the candidacy as decisive factors.
Austria and Portugal had expressed their interest in a seat on the UN Security Council more than a decade ago and had frequently appeared with a strong government presence at UN headquarters in New York.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz, on the other hand, opted not to attend the UN General Assembly last year. Then, as on Wednesday, he sent Wadephul.
Is Germany still seen as a defender of international law?
Some analysts believe the German government has been unclear about the importance it places on international law.
To put it differently: Why did Merz not describe the US abduction of Venezuela's former leader, Nicolas Maduro, in early January for what many observers believe it was: a violation of international law? Many critics now say Merz was more focused on avoiding upsetting the unpredictable US president.
The CDU's coalition partners, the Social Democrats, called Wednesday's decision a setback for foreign policy.
"Those who claim to be the guardians of the rules-based international order must not apply double standards when it comes to international law," said their foreign policy expert, Adis Ahmetovic, in Berlin. "Where the impression of double standards arises, credibility suffers."
Jan van Aken, co-chair of the socialist opposition Left party, put it more bluntly. "This is what happens when you shred international law," he said on ARD.
Did Germany lose support over Israel and Russia?
On the topic of international law, however, Germany's relationship with Israel is perhaps much more significant. Like many other countries, Germany has grown increasingly critical of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza following the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.
Berlin has also been concerned about the recent attacks on Lebanon and the US-Israeli war against Iran. And yet, Germany has consistently rejected sanctions against Israel, citing Germany's historical responsibility toward Israel.
Sources in government circles said Thursday that Germany had actually received enough commitments from other countries to reach the required two-thirds majority for a seat. According to these sources, this means numerous states did not keep their promises during the secret ballot.
The significance of Russia's influence also remains unclear, as Russia had sought to prevent a German seat on the UN Security Council primarily because Germany is considered a strong supporter of Ukraine.
For Germany, the failure of its bid for a seat on the UN Security Council marks a first. In addition to the five permanent members β the US, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom β there are 10 non-permanent members who rotate every two years. Since 1987, Germany, one of the world's most economically powerful countries, had been elected to the body every eight years. That streak is now over.
This article was originally written in German.