The Trump Administration is backing former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for the post of UN Secretary-General, hoping to secure support from Russia and China, according to media reports.
Ukrinform reports this, citing The Wall Street Journal and The Jerusalem Post.
According to the reports, U.S. officials have already approached Orbán with the proposal. He has expressed interest but has not yet made a final decision on whether to enter the race for UN Secretary-General.
Washington believes Orbán's previous contacts with Moscow and Beijing could help secure their support for the Hungarian politician, who is seen as pro-Russian. This could make Orbán a joint candidate backed by three permanent members of the UN Security Council.
A State Department official estimated that Orbán could secure the support of at least eight of the Security Council's 15 members, and potentially as many as 10 if circumstances are favorable.
It remains unclear, however, whether the United Kingdom and France, which hold veto power on the Security Council, would be prepared to block his candidacy.
A State Department official described Orbán as a "MAGA conservatives' dream candidate," citing his positions on mass immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of influence in Hungary's judiciary and media.
Orbán has repeatedly clashed with EU leaders while strengthening ties with China. His relations with Moscow and Beijing, as well as his domestic policies, could come under particular scrutiny if he is nominated.
U.S. President Donald Trump supported Orbán in Hungary's parliamentary election in April, while Vice President JD Vance personally took part in his election campaign.
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Another informal vote is scheduled for Wednesday at the UN Security Council to gauge support for the candidates. It remains unclear whether Orbán's name will be included in the ballot.
António Guterres's term as UN Secretary-General ends on December 31. The next Secretary-General will be elected by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council.
Photo: The White House