Washington Backs Orban for UN Top Post With Moscow and Beijing
US officials estimate Orban can secure eight Security Council votes, though he has not formally announced his candidacy.
By Ethan Cook ·
The United States is actively supporting former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the race for United Nations secretary-general, a move that could unite Washington, Moscow, and Beijing behind a single candidate. US officials approached Orban with the proposal and encouraged him to enter the contest. Although he expressed interest, Orban has not yet made a final decision.
The proposal relies on the belief that Russia and China would also back Orban, creating a rare alignment among the three powers. Officials from the US and another country noted that when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on an outcome, they can generally secure it. A US State Department official acknowledged the initial skepticism but estimated that eight of the 15 Security Council members would easily support Orban, with the possibility of reaching ten votes.
During internal discussions, American officials described the desired candidate as someone like Orban, a suggestion agreed upon by Chinese and Russian counterparts. US officials then contacted Orban to gauge his interest. He was receptive but cited reservations regarding his identity as a nationalist politician. He also expressed reluctance to announce his candidacy unless he was confident of winning.
A State Department official labeled Orban the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives, pointing to his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power within Hungary's judiciary and media. Orban, who declined to comment on the report, has a history of clashing with the European Union while cultivating closer ties with China. He received endorsements from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during Hungary's April elections. Both are expected to back him if he runs.
The UK and France, both permanent Security Council members with veto power, have not taken official positions. The report suggested they might refrain from blocking a candidate backed by a majority of the council and the other three permanent members. Any potential announcement regarding Orban's candidacy is expected to be delayed until after the US midterm elections.
An official from another country noted that current candidates largely possess backgrounds in international bureaucracy. Orban would bring the approach of a political leader accustomed to exercising power. While US officials argued he would not be intimidated by the UN establishment, concerns were raised that his appointment could turn the role into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders.
Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who entered the race last week, is expected to answer questions on Tuesday. A Security Council straw poll scheduled for Wednesday will gauge support for her candidacy and other contenders. It is not yet clear if Orban's name will be included in that vote. The term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31.
