Trump pushes Orban for UN top job with 8 council votes expected

Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban is the leading candidate for the next United Nations secretary-general, according to a report citing sources from the US, Russia, and China. US officials have actively encouraged Orban to enter the race, a move that would shift the selection process away from career diplomats toward a seasoned political leader.

Washington believes Orban can secure a unified front from the three major powers. A US State Department official estimated that eight of the 15 Security Council members would easily support his candidacy, with the potential to reach ten votes. The official noted that while the idea initially seemed far-fetched, previous discussions suggest Moscow and Beijing share a similar preference for a candidate like Orban.

The proposal hinges on the reactions of the United Kingdom and France, the other two permanent Security Council members with veto power. The report suggests both nations might refrain from blocking a candidate who commands a majority of the council and the backing of the other three permanent seats. Neither London nor Paris has issued an official position on the matter as of the report's publication.

Orban has expressed interest in the role but has not made a final decision. He reportedly has reservations about stepping into the position as a nationalist politician. He also indicated he would be reluctant to announce his candidacy unless he was confident of winning. He declined to comment on the reports when contacted.

A State Department official described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, pointing to his opposition to large-scale immigration and liberal nongovernmental organizations. His track record of clashing with the European Union while strengthening ties with China aligns with the preferences of US, Russian, and Chinese counterparts. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary’s April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned for him.

Sources indicate that Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he decides to run. Any public announcement of his entry into the race is expected to be delayed until after the US midterm elections. This timing would allow the administration to manage domestic political dynamics while advancing the candidacy.

The current field of candidates largely consists of figures with backgrounds in international bureaucracy. Orban would represent a different profile, bringing the approach of a political leader accustomed to exercising power. A US official argued that Orban has the right ideological outlook and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment, though some observers worry his appointment could make the role a defender of authoritarian leaders.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is another candidate gaining momentum in the race. She entered the competition last week and is expected to answer questions on Tuesday ahead of a Security Council straw poll on Wednesday. The informal vote will gauge support for the various candidates as members work toward a consensus. The term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31.