US President Donald Trump is exploring an unusual diplomatic arrangement to back former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban as the next secretary-general of the United Nations, with Russia and China
reportedly receptive to the proposal, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Under the proposal, Viktor Orban could emerge as a joint candidate backed by three of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council- the United States, Russia and China. However, the plan has yet to receive a final decision and Viktor Orban has not formally entered the race.
The report stated that US officials first floated the idea of a candidate like Viktor Orban during discussions with their Russian and Chinese counterparts. Officials from the three countries indicated that the proposal had received a favourable response from Moscow and Beijing. Washington subsequently approached Viktor Orban directly to gauge his interest. He was reportedly receptive but reluctant to enter the contest without a realistic prospect of winning.
US President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance are expected to support Viktor Orban if he decides to run. An announcement could be delayed until after the US midterm elections in November, as per the report.
Can Viktor Orban Secure Enough Votes To Become UN Chief?
A US State Department official cited in the reporting estimated that Viktor Orban could comfortably secure eight votes in the 15-member Security Council, with 10 potentially within reach. However, the numbers alone would not guarantee his appointment.
A candidate needs at least nine votes in the Security Council and must avoid a veto from any of its five permanent members: the US, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France.
Even if Washington, Moscow and Beijing back Viktor Orban, either London or Paris could block his candidacy. The Security Council must recommend a candidate before the UN General Assembly can appoint the next secretary-general.
The reported proposal comes as the selection process to replace outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues. His term ends on December 31, 2026 and his successor is due to take office on January 1, 2027.
