Trump Administration Backs Former Hungarian PM Orbán for UN Secretary-General
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Trump administration is reportedly exploring former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a candidate for UN Secretary-General, seeking a conservative leader who challenges international norms. Orbán has expressed interest, but his candidacy faces potential opposition from key Security Council members. The UN selection process has been stalled, with other candidates like Rebecca Grynspan also facing challenges. Orbán's potential appointment could have significant implications for Israel due to his past support.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- US considers former Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán for UN Secretary-General role.
- Orbán has expressed interest but has not yet committed to running.
- The Trump administration sees Orbán as a conservative leader challenging the international establishment.
- Orbán recently lost power in Hungary after 16 years in office.
- The UN selection process has been stalled with no candidate securing enough support.
- Rebecca Grynspan of Costa Rica remains a leading contender.
- Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE is another notable candidate with Palestinian heritage.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a candidate for the next UN Secretary-General, aiming to install a conservative leader who has clashed with international institutions. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US has approached Orbán, who has expressed interest but has not yet committed. This move could reshape the race to succeed Antonio Guterres, whose term ends December 31.
US officials believe Orbán could garner significant support in the UN Security Council, potentially securing eight to ten votes, though approval from permanent members like the UK and France remains uncertain. The administration views Orbán as a strong conservative figure capable of challenging the international establishment, contrasting him with career diplomats. His potential candidacy is reportedly being delayed until after the US midterm elections in November, with Orbán seeking assurance of a viable path to victory.
Orbán, a prominent nationalist figure in Europe, led Hungary for 16 years, implementing strict policies on immigration and clashing with the EU over rule of law and press freedom. His close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his stance on issues like the war in Ukraine have drawn criticism. He recently lost power in Hungary after his Fidesz party was defeated in elections by Péter Magyar's Tisza party.
Orbán has maintained a close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, supporting Israel in sensitive EU discussions and even offering to withdraw Hungary from the International Criminal Court after it issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. He also delayed EU sanctions against Israeli settlers. His potential appointment could be significant for Israel, given its strained relationship with Guterres during the recent conflict.
The UN Secretary-General selection process has been stalled, with no candidate securing sufficient support in multiple secret ballots. Rebecca Grynspan of Costa Rica remains a leading contender, having received nine votes in the last round but also facing six against, including vetoes from two permanent members. Other notable candidates include Rafael Grossi of Argentina and Lana Nusseibeh of the UAE, who has Palestinian heritage and speaks Hebrew.
The search for new candidates intensified after previous rounds failed to yield a consensus. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking a transformative figure rather than another career diplomat to address the UN's current crises. Nusseibeh is scheduled for a public hearing soon, with further Security Council ballots expected.
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