Washington, DC — The Trump administration is reportedly encouraging former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to seek the United Nations secretary general position, believing he could win support from Russia, China, and the United States.
The Jerusalem Post reported that U.S. officials approached Orbán about entering the race and described him as a potentially strong candidate for conservatives because of his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations and traditional institutional power centers.
Orbán has expressed interest but has not formally entered the contest, according to the report. The United Nations’ official candidate list does not currently include him.
Washington reportedly believes Moscow and Beijing could also support Orbán, which would be significant because the secretary-general must first be recommended by the U.N. Security Council before appointment by the General Assembly.
Orbán’s potential candidacy would likely attract scrutiny over his longstanding relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and China, as well as controversies surrounding democratic institutions, media independence and judicial power during his years leading Hungary.
The report comes as the Security Council continues informal straw polls among declared candidates. Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh entered the race last week.
Any Orbán candidacy remains speculative. Neither Orbán nor the United States has formally announced his nomination, and there is no public confirmation that Russia or China have committed to supporting him.
The next secretary-general is expected to take office after António Guterres’ term ends Dec. 31.
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