Orban considers UN chief run amid Trump push

The United States is actively promoting former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as its candidate for the next UN Secretary-General. According to a report citing sources from three nations, US officials have directly approached Orban to gauge his interest in the role. He has expressed receptiveness but has not yet made a final decision to enter the race.

Washington believes it can secure a joint endorsement from Russia and China for the former leader. A US State Department official estimated that Orban could easily win the support of eight of the Security Council's 15 members. The official suggested the count could reach ten votes. This projection relies on the assumption that when the US, Russia, and China align on a candidate, they can generally secure the desired outcome at the council.

US officials described Orban as the "dream candidate for MAGA conservatives." This assessment cites his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power within Hungary's judiciary and media. A source familiar with the initiative said that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to back Orban if he decides to run. Both leaders supported his campaign during Hungary's elections in April.

Orban has reservations about the candidacy. He is a nationalist politician who was reluctant to announce a run unless he was confident of victory. He declined to comment on the report. His potential entry contrasts with the current field, which consists largely of figures from international bureaucracy. An official from another country noted that Orban would bring the approach of a political leader accustomed to exercising power.

The key uncertainty involves the United Kingdom and France. Both are permanent Security Council members with veto power. The report suggests London and Paris might refrain from blocking a candidate backed by a majority of the council and the other three permanent members. However, neither government has taken an official position. Concerns exist that Orban's ties to Moscow and Beijing could make him a defender of authoritarian leaders.

Any announcement regarding Orban is expected to be delayed until after the US midterm elections. Meanwhile, Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh has entered the race and is gaining momentum. She is scheduled to answer questions on Tuesday. A Security Council straw poll is set for Wednesday to gauge support for her candidacy. It remains unclear whether Orban's name will be included in that informal vote.

The term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31. As of now, efforts to advance Orban remain based on discussions and assessments from cited sources. There has been no official announcement of his candidacy or public confirmation that the three powers will support him.