US pushes former Hungarian leader for top UN job
Washington counts on eight Security Council votes to back Viktor Orbán, aiming to unify US, Russian, and Chinese support.
By James Brooks ·
The Trump administration is promoting former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán for the role of United Nations secretary-general. Officials say the move relies on securing backing from Russia and China.
A State Department representative identified eight current votes within the 15-member Security Council that would support Orbán. The official described this margin as comfortable. Another ten votes are considered potentially available to secure the appointment.
The Wall Street Journal reported that US officials approached Orbán to gauge his interest in the candidacy. They found him positively inclined, though with certain reservations. One American official characterized Orbán as the dream candidate for the current conservative movement. This assessment cites his past actions regarding mass migration, liberal non-governmental organizations, and left-leaning courts.
A State Department official acknowledged that the proposal may appear unusual at first. However, the administration believes Russia and China support the idea. The plan positions Orbán as a joint candidate for the three major powers. Officials noted that when the United States, Russia, and China pursue the same goal in the Security Council, they generally achieve it.
Representatives from the US and another country described the other candidates as heavy on the secretary aspect of the title. Those rivals have experience in international bureaucracy or behind-the-scenes diplomacy. In contrast, Orbán would serve as a general. A State Department representative agreed, noting that Orbán adheres to the correct ideology and knows how to exercise power under hostile conditions.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to support Orbán if he formally runs. A source familiar with the process said the announcement is being held until after the US midterm elections. Orbán’s pro-China orientation has not undermined his image as a defender of Western civilization, according to the report. He frequently clashed with the European Union while still receiving subsidies from it.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently stressed the need for UN reform to strengthen accountability. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for removing the veto power from the Security Council. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized the council for its inability to make decisions due to vetoes by individual members.
