Washington Seeks Beijing, Moscow Backing For Orban At UN Helm

US officials have approached former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban about running for UN secretary-general, with Washington seeking a joint candidacy backed by the United States, Russia, and China, according to a report citing sources from three countries. Current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres finishes his term on December 31.

The proposal rests on the premise that the three permanent Security Council members can deliver a nominee. US and foreign officials said that when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on an outcome at the council, they generally secure it. American officials discussed candidates they described as "someone like Orban," and their Chinese and Russian counterparts agreed, the report said. Washington then approached Orban directly.

Orban has not decided whether to run. He was receptive to the approach but raised reservations tied to his identity as a nationalist politician, and he does not want to announce a candidacy unless he expects to win. He declined to comment. A State Department official said the proposal first looked far-fetched but argued Orban could assemble substantial council support, estimating eight of the 15 members would "easily" back him and that 10 votes were possible.

No country has publicly committed to backing him. The report cited no public endorsements. Britain and France, both permanent council members with veto power, have not stated a position. The report suggested the two might hold back from blocking a candidate supported by a council majority and the other three permanent members.

A State Department official called Orban the "dream candidate for MAGA conservatives," citing his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned for him. A source familiar with the initiative said Trump and Vance are expected to back a UN bid if Orban runs, with any announcement held until after the US midterm elections.

An official from another country said most entries in the field come from international bureaucracy or quiet diplomacy, while Orban would bring the habits of a leader who has held power. A US official said Orban holds the right ideological outlook, understands how to work against opposition, and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. The report also noted concerns that his appointment could turn the secretary-general into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders, and that his ties to Moscow and Beijing and his policies in Hungary would draw scrutiny if he enters the race.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh entered the race last week and her candidacy is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday, ahead of a Security Council straw poll scheduled for Wednesday to gauge support for candidates as members work toward a consensus on a nominee. It is not yet clear whether Orban's name will appear in Wednesday's vote. Other candidates may still enter.