The administration of Donald Trump is reportedly exploring an unconventional plan for the leadership of the United Nations, with former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán emerging as a potential candidate to succeed António Guterres as UN secretary-general.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, cited by Politis, officials from several countries say Washington has encouraged Orbán to consider entering the race and has discussed his potential candidacy with both Moscow and Beijing.
Effort to build support in the Security Council
According to the report, the concept under discussion would see Orbán presented as a candidate capable of attracting support from the United States, Russia and China, three of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
A US State Department official quoted in the report reportedly argued that Orbán could secure eight votes comfortably in the 15-member Security Council and potentially reach ten.
The eventual stance of Britain and France could prove decisive, given their veto powers as permanent Security Council members.
Officials cited in the report suggested that when Washington, Moscow and Beijing align behind a candidate, they often have a strong chance of shaping the outcome of Security Council deliberations.
Why Orbán?
The report says Orbán's name repeatedly surfaced during discussions among American officials about possible successors to Guterres.
According to the account, US officials frequently referred to the need for "someone like Orbán", a formulation that reportedly found receptive ears among Russian and Chinese interlocutors.
One American official reportedly described the Hungarian politician as a "MAGA-conservative candidate", pointing to his positions on migration, non-governmental organisations, the judiciary and the media.
Orbán has also been known for his disputes with the European Union and for maintaining close ties with both Russia and China.
Interested but cautious
The report states that US officials have already sounded out Orbán regarding whether he would be interested in pursuing the position.
While he is said to be receptive to the idea, he reportedly remains cautious and is not expected to formally enter the race unless he believes he has a realistic chance of success.
According to the same report, any announcement of a candidacy would likely come after the US midterm elections.
Should he decide to run, Orbán would be expected to receive backing from both Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Other candidates in the race
Orbán's possible entry would add a high-profile political figure to a field currently dominated by diplomats and international officials.
Among those already seeking the position is Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates, who formally entered the race last week.
The report notes that scrutiny of the UAE's role in the Sudan conflict could become a factor in assessments of her candidacy, although she is also seen as a serious contender.
A further indicative vote in the Security Council is expected later this week as lobbying and diplomatic manoeuvring around the succession process intensify.
Source: Wall Street Journal, via LiFO
