The administration of US President Donald Trump has suggested that the former Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, consider standing for the post of UN Secretary-General. Washington is hoping to secure the support of Russia and China, with whom the Hungarian politician has maintained close ties. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal on 25 October, Orbán has shown interest in the proposal, but has not yet made a final decision on whether to stand as a candidate.
- The Trump administration has suggested that Viktor Orbán stand for the post of UN Secretary-General.
- Washington is hoping for support for the candidate from Russia and China.
- According to a State Department spokesperson, Orbán could receive between 8 and 10 votes in the Security Council.
- The United Kingdom and France have the right to veto his nomination.
The US is discussing Orbán’s candidacy with Russia and China
According to The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources in three countries, the idea of putting forward Viktor Orban The idea of him standing for the post of UN Secretary-General arose in Washington. US officials discussed the possibility of his candidacy with representatives from Russia and China, after which they approached the Hungarian politician directly.
The White House believes that Orbán could become the joint candidate of the three permanent members UN Security Council. This scenario is based on previous diplomatic contacts; however, no official commitments have yet been announced by Moscow or Beijing to support it.
A spokesperson for the US State Department estimated that Orbán could secure support from at least eight of the 15 votes. If events unfold favourably, the former Hungarian Prime Minister could, in his view, secure up to ten votes.
Orbán himself has responded positively to the proposal, but is in no hurry to announce his participation in the elections without being certain of sufficient international support. His candidacy has not yet been officially put forward.
Will the UK and France be able to block Orbán?
The appointment of the UN Secretary-General requires a recommendation from the Security Council, which must subsequently be approved by the General Assembly.
A Security Council resolution requires at least nine votes out of 15. At the same time, none of the five permanent members — the US, the UK, France, Russia and China — must exercise their right of veto.
That is precisely why even the support of Washington, Moscow and Beijing does not guarantee Orban’s appointment. The stance taken by London and Paris could prove to be the decisive factor.
It is not yet known whether the United Kingdom and France are prepared to block the Hungarian politician’s nomination. No official position has been made public by these countries regarding Orbán’s possible nomination.
Why does Trump support the former Prime Minister of Hungary?
Viktor Orbán led the Hungarian government for 16 years, but lost power following the parliamentary elections in April 2026, in which his party, Fidesz, was defeated by the opposition party, Tisza« Peter Magyar.
During his time in office, Orbán maintained political contacts with Donald Trump, developed relations with China and maintained cooperation with Russia, despite disagreements with the European Union leadership.
According to one US official quoted by the WSJ, the Hungarian politician shares the views of the conservative MAGA movement, particularly on immigration, non-governmental organisations and domestic policy.
His possible nomination comes as the search for a successor is underway António Guterres, who has been at the helm of the United Nations since 2017.
The current Secretary-General will complete his second five-year term on 31 December 2026. The new UN chief is due to take office on 1 January 2027. The Security Council is already conducting informal votes to gauge support for the candidates, but has not yet made a final recommendation to the General Assembly.
