Washington pitches Orbán for UN chief to win over Moscow and Beijing
US officials count eight Security Council votes for the former Hungarian leader, aiming to secure a consensus backed by Russia and China.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
The Trump administration is actively promoting former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán for the role of United Nations secretary-general. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the White House did not merely support his candidacy but suggested the idea to him directly. The strategy relies on securing the backing of Russia and China, two nations that have historically opposed Western choices for the post.
A State Department official described the initial reaction to the proposal as sounding "crazy." However, recent diplomatic talks indicate that Moscow and Beijing are receptive to the idea. The plan is to position Orbán as a joint candidate supported by the United States, Russia, and China. Officials noted that when these three powers align on a goal within the Security Council, they generally achieve their objective.
The administration has tallied potential support within the 15-member Security Council. One representative counted eight votes that would support Orbán comfortably. Officials believe they can secure another ten votes, which would provide a majority. An American official characterized Orbán as the "dream MAGA-conservative candidate," citing his track record against mass migration, liberal NGOs, and left-leaning courts and press.
Orbán’s political profile fits the criteria sought by Washington. The Wall Street Journal noted that his frequent clashes with the European Union did not undermine his image as a defender of Western civilization, largely because he continued to benefit from EU subsidies and maintained a pro-China orientation. A representative from another country described remaining candidates as heavy on "secretary" experience, meaning international bureaucracy. Orbán, by contrast, would be a "general."
US officials have contacted Orbán to gauge his interest. He was positively inclined, though he raised some caveats. If he formally puts forward his candidacy, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to support him. However, sources say the official announcement is being held back until after the US midterm elections.
A State Department representative agreed that Orbán adheres to the correct ideology and knows how to exercise power under hostile conditions. They stated he will not be intimidated by the international establishment. The selection process for the next secretary-general remains open, with several candidates currently in the running.
The move comes amid ongoing debates about UN reform. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently called for stronger accountability mechanisms to stop governments that undermine international rules. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have both criticized the Security Council's inability to make decisions due to vetoes from individual members.
