President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed her support for Suriname's Chancellor, Alberto Ramdin, to hold the General Secretariat of the OAS in an upcoming vote. This decision comes amid tensions with the United States, with which they are contending over the candidacy directly backed by former President Donald Trump of Paraguay’s Chancellor, Rubén Ramirez Lezcano.
Ramirez Lezcano had managed to secure votes for his candidacy, but Trump's pressure caused a shift in regional alliances that led to the nomination of Ramdin, an option that defends the interests of Latin America and the Caribbean. Trump's stance not only influenced this decision but also generated a reaction in countries like Canada, which is reportedly considering joining the support for Ramdin as a measure of retaliation against U.S. tariff policies and provocations.
Amid this scenario, Lula also backed Ramdin's candidacy, ultimately burying Lezcano's aspirations in the election. The meeting in Montevideo, attended by representatives from several countries, was crucial to consolidating this support. Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, and Uruguay, along with countries from Caricom, leaned towards Ramdin, considering his extensive diplomatic experience and regional vision as key to addressing current challenges.
The countries supporting Ramdin highlight his ability to reflect the realities and aspirations of the region, as well as to bring a new and necessary perspective to the OAS. Sheinbaum also expressed her willingness to join a call led by Lula and Boric in Santiago, indicating a movement towards regional unity in a complex geopolitical context.
The joint statement issued by the countries supporting Ramdin emphasizes the importance of this election as a historic opportunity for the region and highlights the Caribbean’s potential leadership in this space of hemispheric integration. The vote for the General Secretariat of the OAS will take place on March 10, and with the backing of several key countries, Ramdin stands out as a strong candidate seeking to represent the interests of a region in search of unity and strength on the international stage.
