Orban UN Bid: Trump Courts Ex-Hungarian PM With Russian and Chinese Support

US President Donald Trump is lobbying former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to run for United Nations Secretary-General, a move that relies on anticipated support from Moscow and Beijing. According to a report citing sources from three countries, American officials have already approached Orban with the proposal. While he has expressed interest, the former prime minister has not made a final decision on whether to enter the race.

The push for Orban began with informal discussions among US, Chinese, and Russian officials. American counterparts described the desired candidate as someone like Orban, a characterization that found agreement in Beijing and Moscow. Washington subsequently moved from abstract discussion to direct outreach, contacting Orban to gauge his interest. The former leader was receptive but noted reservations about his status as a nationalist politician. He also indicated a reluctance to announce a bid unless he was confident of victory. Orban has declined to comment on the report.

US State Department officials acknowledge that the idea initially seemed far-fetched. However, they maintain that Orban could garner substantial support within the Security Council. One official estimated that eight of the 15 council members would easily back his candidacy, with the potential to secure up to 10 votes. A key uncertainty remains regarding the United Kingdom and France, both permanent members with veto power. The report suggests these nations might refrain from blocking a candidate backed by a majority of the council and the other three permanent members, though neither London nor Paris has taken an official position.

A State Department official described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, citing his opposition to large-scale immigration and liberal nongovernmental organizations. The official also pointed to Orban’s stance against established centers of power within Hungary's judiciary and media. During his time in office, Orban repeatedly clashed with the European Union while cultivating closer ties with China. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. Another source familiar with the initiative said Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he decides to run.

Any potential announcement of Orban’s candidacy is expected to be delayed until after the US midterm elections. The report notes that the current field of candidates consists largely of figures with backgrounds in international bureaucracy or behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Orban, by contrast, would bring 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. However, the report raised concerns that his appointment could turn the post into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. His ties to Moscow and Beijing are expected to come under scrutiny.

Other candidates are moving forward in the process. Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday. Another Security Council straw poll is scheduled for Wednesday to gauge support for her candidacy and other contenders. The informal vote is intended to assess support as members work toward a consensus on a nominee. It remains unclear whether Orban’s name will be included in Wednesday’s vote, and additional candidates could still enter the race.

The term of current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31. For now, efforts to advance Orban’s candidacy remain based on discussions and assessments provided by sources. There has been no official announcement of his candidacy or public confirmation that the three powers would support him.