Germany fails to win UN Security Council seat in major diplomatic setback for Merz
Germany's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council was unsuccessful, marking a significant diplomatic setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The defeat has been attributed to Germany's strong support for Israel, which may have cost it crucial votes. This outcome is likely to intensify domestic criticism of Merz, who had promised to enhance Germany's leadership role in Europe.
- ▪Germany lost its bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council to Portugal and Austria.
- ▪Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul suggested that Germany's support for Israel influenced the voting outcome.
- ▪Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces increased criticism domestically following this diplomatic failure.
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News Foreign Affairs Germany fails to win UN Security Council seat in major diplomatic setback for Merz Berlin partly blamed the “bitter defeat” on its steadfast support for Israel, which it suggested cost it key votes in the General Assembly. Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn June 3, 2026 9:27 pm CET By Aitor Hernández-Morales Chancellor Friedrich Merz suffered a humiliating defeat Wednesday after the United Nations General Assembly snubbed Germany and instead awarded Portugal and Austria two non-permanent seats on the Security Council. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul attributed the “bitter defeat” in part to Berlin’s support for Israel, which he suggested cost his country key U.N. votes.
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