Washington:The Trump administration has reportedly encouraged former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to consider a run for the position of United Nations secretary-general. Discussions have been held with Russia and China, who are said to be open to the idea, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, officials from three countries confirmed that the United States had raised the possibility of Orban's candidacy, potentially making him a joint candidate supported by the US, Russia, and China. The proposal is still awaiting a final decision.
A US State Department official suggested that while the idea might initially seem unlikely, the combined efforts of these three powers could secure enough support within the UN Security Council. The official estimated that eight of the council's 15 members could "comfortably" support Orban, with the possibility of reaching 10 votes. Britain and France, both permanent members with veto power, might oppose the proposal, although they have historically been cautious about exercising their vetoes.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Orban's name has repeatedly come up in discussions among US, Chinese, and Russian officials regarding potential candidates. American officials reportedly began questioning, "Why not Mr. Orban?"
The Trump administration's proposal reportedly aligns with their ideological stance, as Orban has been described as a "dream MAGA-conservative candidate." His positions against mass migration, liberal NGOs, and Hungary's left-leaning courts and media, as well as his frequent clashes with the European Union, reflect this alignment.
Despite his close ties with China, Orban is portrayed as a defender of Western civilization. US President Donald Trump previously endorsed Orban in Hungary’s April 2026 election, with Vice President JD Vance campaigning for him. Both are expected to support Orban if he enters the UN race, though an announcement is being delayed until after the US midterm elections.
US officials initially reached out to Orban to assess his interest in the position. Orban was reportedly receptive but cautious, unwilling to run unless he believed he had a strong chance of winning. Orban declined to comment on the matter.
The editorial contrasted Orban with other potential candidates, noting that the field is largely composed of individuals with international bureaucratic or diplomatic experience. An official from another country likened Orban to a "general" rather than a "secretary," a sentiment echoed by a US official who argued that Orban has the ideological convictions and political resolve to challenge the UN establishment.
Lana Nusseibeh, a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, also entered the race recently. The editorial noted that the UAE's alleged support for a paramilitary force in Sudan could affect her candidacy, although she is considered qualified and gaining momentum. Nusseibeh was scheduled to answer questions on Tuesday, with a new Security Council straw poll set for Wednesday.
Additional candidates may still join the contest for the UN secretary-general position as current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term concludes on December 31, 2026. The editorial criticized Guterres' leadership and suggested that Orban’s candidacy could highlight the institution's decline.