Özel Urges Left Parties to Back Sinirlioğlu
New Party leader Özgür Özel asked left-wing leaders in 132 UN member states to support Türkiye's nominee for UN secretary-general.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in International Relations
Live Poll
Should Türkiye's political parties actively lobby foreign governments for its UN candidate?
New Party leader Özgür Özel sent a letter on November 6 urging left-wing, social democratic and socialist party leaders in 132 UN member states to back Feridun Sinirlioğlu for UN secretary-general. Türkiye nominated Sinirlioğlu on October 30, after a Security Council straw poll failed to produce a conclusive outcome.
Why it matters
The selection of the next UN secretary-general follows a deadlock in the process, and the letter seeks support beyond formal government channels. Sinirlioğlu currently serves as secretary-general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
The letter was sent to parties in 132 UN member states after the October 30 straw poll failed to reach a conclusive result. António Guterres, who is serving a second five-year term, is due to leave office on December 31, but the timing of the final selection has not been stated.
The players
Özgür Özel
Leader of the New Party in Türkiye, a political figure who has led opposition efforts within the country's party system.
Feridun Sinirlioğlu
Turkish diplomat with more than 40 years of experience who currently serves as secretary-general of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
António Guterres
Current United Nations Secretary-General serving his second five-year term, who is due to leave office on December 31.
The details
The letter went to leaders of left-wing, social democratic and socialist parties, including those in government and in coalition, and the New Party announced it. Sinirlioğlu has spent more than 40 years in diplomacy and currently leads the OSCE.
Timeline
October 30: Türkiye nominated Feridun Sinirlioğlu; the Security Council straw poll did not conclude.
November 6: Özgür Özel sent the letter urging support for Sinirlioğlu.
December 31: António Guterres is due to leave office.
Political Context
The UN Security Council's straw-poll process is the formal mechanism used to narrow secretary-general candidates before a final vote. Özel's letter extends lobbying beyond that process to party leaders across 132 member states.
The outcome will determine who leads the United Nations after Guterres's term ends on December 31. Readers can track later Security Council votes to see whether the selection is finalized.
The takeaway
Selection of a UN secretary-general depends on Security Council votes and broader diplomatic support, and the Özel letter shows that party-level outreach is part of that effort.
Further reading
Explore more in International Relations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hurriyet Daily News.
Live Poll
Should Türkiye's political parties actively lobby foreign governments for its UN candidate?
