US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly encouraging former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban to become the next United Nations secretary-general, with Washington exploring a joint candidacy backed by Russia and China, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, 25 October, citing sources in three countries, Hungarian Conservative reported.

Source: Hungarian Conservative, reporting The Wall Street Journal

According to the report, the idea originated with US officials, who had repeatedly mentioned 'someone like Orban' in discussions about the UN's next leader. Russian and Chinese counterparts reportedly responded favourably, prompting Washington to approach Orban directly about a possible three-power-backed candidacy. Moscow and Beijing have not formally announced their support.

Source: Hungarian Conservative; Brussels Signal

9Security Council votes a candidate needs, out of 15, with no veto from a permanent member
8-10Votes a US State Department official estimated Orban could secure - eight 'comfortably', ten within reach
31 DecDate current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is due to leave office, per Hungarian Conservative

Orban was said to be interested but unwilling to enter the race without confidence that he could win. Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to back him, although an announcement could be delayed until after the US midterm elections in November, the report said. Orban declined to comment. JFeed, citing a report on the Israeli site Walla, also reported that US officials had reached out to Orban and that Russia and China may support his candidacy.

Source: Hungarian Conservative; JFeed

Even with US, Russian and Chinese support, Britain and France could block his selection, because a candidate must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members. The Security Council recommends a candidate, whom the General Assembly formally appoints. Brussels Signal noted that Orban lost power on 12 April after 16 years in office, when Peter Magyar's Tisza party won a two-thirds majority in Hungary's parliament, and that he remains leader of Fidesz.

Source: Hungarian Conservative; Brussels Signal

Hungarian Conservative said the UN succession process is already under way and that the latest Security Council straw poll failed to produce a candidate acceptable to all five permanent members, leaving an opening for late entrants. Orban has not been formally nominated.

Source: Hungarian Conservative

What is solid

  • The Wall Street Journal reported on 25 October, citing sources in three countries, that US officials approached Orban about a UN secretary-general candidacy (Hungarian Conservative; Brussels Signal)
  • Orban declined to comment, and Moscow and Beijing have not formally announced support (Hungarian Conservative)
  • A candidate needs at least nine of 15 Security Council votes and no permanent-member veto (Hungarian Conservative)

What is only claimed

  • Russian and Chinese backing is reported as favourable responses in conversations, not a formal announcement
  • The vote estimate of eight to ten is a single US State Department official's assessment in the report, not a public commitment by any country