Trump Administration Explores UN Secretary-General Bid for Hungary's Orbán

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a move to position former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as the next United Nations Secretary-General. According to a report by Walla, American officials have approached Orbán, encouraging him to run for the position, with the assessment that Russia and China might also support his candidacy. Orbán has expressed initial interest but has not yet decided whether to enter the race, reportedly wanting assurance of a realistic chance of winning before declaring. Washington views Orbán as a candidate whose worldview aligns with the conservative movement associated with Trump, with one State Department official calling him the "dream candidate of MAGA conservatives" due to his firm stance on immigration and his clashes with liberal organizations and Hungarian judicial and media powers.

Sources cited in the report suggest Orbán's name was discussed among American, Russian, and Chinese officials even before direct contact was made. The U.S. sought a candidate with characteristics similar to the former Hungarian leader, and Beijing and Moscow reportedly agreed with the idea. The U.S. believes a joint endorsement from these three major powers could give Orbán a significant advantage in the Security Council, with one American official estimating he could secure eight to ten votes. However, Russia and China have not officially committed to supporting Orbán, nor has the U.S. administration formally announced his candidacy. The positions of the United Kingdom and France, both permanent members with veto power, remain unclear, though they might refrain from opposing a candidate backed by the other three major powers.

Orbán's ties with Trump have strengthened in recent years over shared conservative and anti-immigration policies. Trump endorsed Orbán in Hungary's April elections, and Vice President J.D. Vance participated in his campaign. Sources indicate Trump and Vance would likely support Orbán's UN bid if he decides to run, though an announcement might be delayed until after the U.S. midterm elections. Orbán's tenure as Prime Minister was marked by confrontations with EU institutions over domestic policies, while maintaining relations with Russia and China, which could aid his candidacy but also make it controversial.

Orbán is not the only candidate being considered. Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh recently joined the race, with her candidacy reportedly gaining momentum. The Security Council is scheduled to hold another test vote on Wednesday to gauge support for various candidates ahead of a consensus on the next Secretary-General, though it is uncertain if Orbán's name will be included. The term of the current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, ends on December 31. The possibility of Orbán succeeding him remains a behind-the-scenes consideration without official declarations of candidacy or public confirmation of joint support from Washington, Moscow, and Beijing. If Orbán were elected, it would be a significant development for Israel, potentially placing a pro-Israel figure at the head of a major global organization.