Trump administration proposes Viktor Orbán as UN chief with support from Russia and China
The United States has proposed Viktor Orbán as a joint candidate for UN Secretary-General with Russia and China. US officials estimate he could secure support from at least ten of the 15 Security Council members. The current UN leader, António Guterres, will end his term on December 31, 2026. Orbán expressed interest but only if certain to win.
- The United States desires Viktor Orbán to be a joint candidate for the UN Secretary-General.
- US officials estimate Orbán could secure at least eight favorable votes in the Security Council.
- The current UN Secretary-General's term ends at the close of 2026.
- Russia and China are prepared to support the idea of Orbán running for the role.
- A candidate needs 9 out of 15 votes to receive a UN Security Council recommendation.
- The Trump administration is counting on support from Russia and China.
- Seven candidates have put their names forward for the UN Secretary-General post.
- The US encouraged the former Hungarian Prime Minister to run for the position.
- Sources from Russia and China reportedly reacted positively to the proposal.
- Orbán's political stance is described as a 'dream MAGA-conservative candidate' by some U.S. officials.
- Sources from three countries confirmed US support for Orbán.
- Orbán responded positively to the proposal but does not wish to compete for the position due to uncertainty about his chances.
- The State Department official noted ten votes were within reach from fifteen council members.
- The State Department representative admitted the idea initially sounded crazy.
- Viktor Orbán expressed contempt for politicians who ended up at the UN in 2018.
- Lana Nussseib of the United Arab Emirates joined the race for UN Secretary-General last week.
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