Helle Thorning-Schmidt closing in on top UN posting

Former prime minister tipped to replace António Guterres in the near future

The former prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, has been named Denmark’s candidate for the position of high commissioner of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), according to TV2 News.

The UNHCR – which has the primary task of protecting the world’s refugees and stateless and employs 7,600 people across 125 nations – is in need of a new head as António Guterres is due to step down in the near future.

“Thorning-Schmidt has an international profile and a prime minister posting in her ballast,” said Anders Langballe, TV2’s political editor.

“There is a certain understanding, in the Danish diplomatic corps at any rate, that it’s Scandinavia’s turn to have the posting. And with Thorning-Schmidt’s experience, she is an obvious candidate.”

READ MORE: Helle Thorning-Schmidt in Brussels to discuss EU top position

Big shoes to fill
Should Thorning-Schmidt obtain the prestigious posting, she will become only the second Dane to do so.

Former prime minister and Venstre head Poul Hartling was handed the posting from 1978-1985, and he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1981 on behalf of UN’s refugee work.

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