WSJ: US Proposes Viktor Orbán for UN Secretary-General
World
US President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed that former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán consider running for the position of United Nations secretary-general. According to The Wall Street Journal, Washington discussed his potential candidacy with representatives of Russia and China, who reportedly reacted favourably to the idea. Neither Moscow nor Beijing has publicly announced support for Orbán.
The WSJ reports that American officials told their counterparts in the two countries that they wanted “someone like Orbán” to lead the United Nations. After receiving positive responses, Washington decided to approach the Hungarian politician directly and encourage him to enter the race. According to the newspaper, Orbán expressed interest but has not made a final decision. He reportedly does not want to run unless he is confident that he can win. The former prime minister declined to comment.
One WSJ source said Trump and US Vice President JD Vance would support Orbán if he agreed to run. The source added that an announcement about his potential candidacy could come after the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3.
A US State Department official cited by the WSJ estimated that Orbán could secure eight votes among the 15 members of the UN Security Council, with the possibility of reaching ten. The Council needs at least nine votes to recommend a candidate, and none of its five permanent members can exercise a veto. Therefore, even potential backing from the United States, Russia and China would not guarantee success: the United Kingdom and France also hold veto power. Moscow and Beijing have not publicly confirmed that they would support the Hungarian politician.
Orbán led Hungary’s government for 16 years. However, his Fidesz party lost the parliamentary elections in April 2026, after which he left the premiership and moved into opposition. The term of current UN Secretary-General António Guterres ends on December 31, 2026. Orbán has not been formally nominated, and his potential entry into the race remains under discussion.
One WSJ source said Trump and US Vice President JD Vance would support Orbán if he agreed to run. The source added that an announcement about his potential candidacy could come after the US midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3.
A US State Department official cited by the WSJ estimated that Orbán could secure eight votes among the 15 members of the UN Security Council, with the possibility of reaching ten. The Council needs at least nine votes to recommend a candidate, and none of its five permanent members can exercise a veto. Therefore, even potential backing from the United States, Russia and China would not guarantee success: the United Kingdom and France also hold veto power. Moscow and Beijing have not publicly confirmed that they would support the Hungarian politician.
Orbán led Hungary’s government for 16 years. However, his Fidesz party lost the parliamentary elections in April 2026, after which he left the premiership and moved into opposition. The term of current UN Secretary-General António Guterres ends on December 31, 2026. Orbán has not been formally nominated, and his potential entry into the race remains under discussion.
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