Germany is grappling with internal turmoil after failing to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Amid criticism of a diplomatic disaster, some are even calling for a reduction in Germany's UN contributions.
According to the daily Tagesspiegel on Tuesday, the government of Hesse demanded an adjustment to the contributions immediately after the defeat. Manfred Pentz, Hesse's minister for international affairs, said, "If we cannot exercise the influence we deserve at the UN, it raises the question of why we should keep paying so much money."
According to the German United Nations Association (DGVN), Germany paid about 4.4 billion euros (7.9 trillion won) to the UN in 2024, the second-largest amount after the United States. While its mandatory contributions are smaller than those of the United States, China and Japan, voluntary donations to individual agencies covering refugees, food and health account for more than 80% of the total.
Critics point to a total failure of foreign policy, noting that Germany has been sidelined despite paying enormous sums. The argument is that Germany has drawn the antipathy of the Global South (emerging and developing nations of the southern hemisphere) by shielding Israel and deferring to the United States. The Greens said, "Germany has greatly lost trust on the international stage," pointing out that South American and African countries are aware of Chancellor Merz's arrogant remarks.
Chancellor Merz drew criticism after his visit to Brazil last year, when he said, "I asked reporters whether anyone wanted to stay here, but no one raised their hand." Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes directly attacked him on X, calling him a "Nazi" and "Hitler's vagabond son."
Germany won 104 votes in the vote on Friday, falling behind Austria (134 votes) and Portugal (131 votes). The approval rate, which stood at 96.8% in 2018, plunged to 54.7% this time. Euronews commented, "It has become clear that Germany is lying in the intensive care unit."
