Over 50 Leaders Skip UN General Assembly for Domestic or Health Reasons
German and Italian leaders cite domestic duties, while South Africa points to health concerns for their absence.
Key points
- Over 50 leaders, including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, will not attend the UN General Assembly.
- German and Italian leaders cite domestic political crises and necessary government work for their absence.
- South Africa attributes its president's absence to health advice, while Nigeria points to vacation.
More than 50 world leaders will skip the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. This includes heads of state from Germany, Italy, China, and Russia.
While leaders like Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron attend, others send ministers instead. Reasons range from political crises to health issues.
European leaders face domestic pressures
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is absent due to recent state elections. The CDU lost power in two states and failed to enter parliament in a third.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also stays away to handle domestic matters. She noted her need to focus on internal issues after recent summits.
African and Asian absences noted
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cites health reasons for his absence. His office did not disclose specific medical details about his condition.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is reportedly on vacation in Europe. He will be represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the assembly.
Strategic choices and political contexts
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Washington instead of New York. This move draws attention as he bypasses the UN for a state visit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not attended since 2021. According to Deutsche Welle, he is listed as a speaker but plans changed.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sends his Prime Minister instead. He has missed in-person sessions since the pandemic era ended.
