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Argentina Backs Rafael Grossi as UN Secretary-General Race Opens, Paraguay Adds Support

Security Council bargaining will decide the single recommendation, with regional and gender expectations shaping campaigns throughout 2026.

Overview

  • The United Nations formally opened the selection to replace António Guterres on January 1, 2027, via a joint letter from the General Assembly president and the rotating Security Council presidency.
  • Argentina’s foreign ministry officially presented IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi as its candidate, elevating him as the government-backed bid from Buenos Aires.
  • Paraguay declared full support for Grossi following earlier reported backing from Italy, signaling early diplomatic endorsements for the Argentine.
  • Argentine expert Virginia Gamba announced an independent candidacy and is being considered by multiple countries for a formal nomination.
  • Selection rules bar current UN-system officeholders from running, which would require Grossi to leave the IAEA if he remains in the contest.