US Weighs Orban Bid For UN Top Job With Moscow, Beijing Support

US officials have approached former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban about entering the race for UN secretary-general, according to a report citing sources from three countries. Orban has not decided whether to run. The push would give Moscow and Beijing a shared stake in the next occupant of the post held by Antonio Guterres, whose term ends December 31.

Washington believes that Russia and China would back Orban, which would make him a joint candidate of the three powers. Officials from the US and another country said that when the US, Russia and China agree on an outcome at the Security Council, they can generally secure it. A State Department official acknowledged the proposal initially seemed far-fetched, then estimated eight of the council's 15 members would "easily" back his candidacy, with a possibility of reaching 10 votes.

The report cites no public commitments from any country to support Orban. The response of the UK and France, both permanent council members with veto power, remains open. The report said the two might refrain from blocking a candidate backed by a majority of the council and the other three permanent members, but neither London nor Paris has taken an official position.

Orban's name surfaced repeatedly in discussions among US officials about a preferred candidate. American officials said they sought "someone like Orban," and their Chinese and Russian counterparts agreed. Officials then contacted Orban. He was receptive but raised reservations tied to his identity as a nationalist politician, and he declined to comment. He also said he would not announce a candidacy unless he was confident of winning.

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. During his time in office, Orban clashed repeatedly with the European Union while cultivating closer ties with China. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary's April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. A source familiar with the initiative said Trump and Vance are expected to back him if he runs, with any announcement delayed until after the US midterm elections.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh entered the race last week, and her candidacy is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions Tuesday, ahead of a Security Council straw poll scheduled for Wednesday. It is unclear whether Orban's name will be included in that vote. No official announcement of his candidacy has been made.