The event that has sent strong shockwaves across domestic politics was the nomination of a new Bulgarian candidate to run for the position of United Nations Secretary General. The nominee is the European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources and Vice President of the European Commission Kristalina Georgieva. Previously the country’s official candidate supported by the government was UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova. This support however was under condition voiced by PM Boyko Borissov, notably that at the last preliminary vote at the UN Security Council Bokova would rank either first or second. She however was sixth showing a downturn after having placed fifth and third in earlier voting.

The nomination of Kristalina Georgieva was followed by a political tempest including qualifications such as „treason“, „frivolous“, „loss of sovereignty“, with the latter hinting that the new nomination has been the result of external pressure. Indeed there have been signals that Germany and more precisely Chancellor Angela Merkel could not accept Irina Bokova as the possible first woman in history and first representative of Eastern Europe to lead the United Nations.

On the other hand, the signals from Brussels are positive where the bid of Kristalina Georgieva is concerned. She has been described as a go-getting and competent workaholic who works honestly and transparently. Letters welcoming the decision of Bulgaria and declaring support have already arrived in Sofia from Hungary, Latvia, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Albania and Armenia.It was made clear two weeks ago that Germany would support Kristalina Georgieva. Insiders argue that UK is also supportive of Bulgaria’s new bid. Support from the United States is also expected.

The paradox is that Irina Bokova remains on the list of candidates for the position despite the decision of the Bulgarian government to nominate someone else. This has been confirmed by New Zealand’s diplomat Gerard van Bohemen, who chaired the United Nations Security Council in September. The new situation has been discussed behind closed doors. Security Council members have wanted to know whether Bulgaria would have one or two candidates in the race. It turns out that this country has one nominee officially supported by the Bulgarian government and another nominee who remains in the race in personam, according to Gerard van Bohemen. The UN General Assembly is going to hear the new Bulgarian nominee on Monday. Russia and three other countries from the UN Security Council however have raised the issue regarding Georgieva’s nomination, which could in practice block the hearing. This is an interesting case, because Kristalina Georgieva made clear she had accepted the nomination under two conditions: support from a greater number of East European countries and no veto on her nomination. The former has already become a fact, and the latter depends on Moscow in the first place. The outcome is expected on 5 October when the new vote at the Security Council is due.

English Daniela Konstantinova