The Trump administration would encourage Viktor Orbán to run for UN secretary-general, with possible support from Russia and China (WSJ)

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring support for former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s candidacy for the post of UN secretary-general, according to The Wall Street Journal. The proposal was reportedly discussed by U.S. officials with their Russian and Chinese counterparts, who reacted favorably, although Moscow and Beijing have not officially announced their support.

Sources cited by the publication say Washington directly approached Orbán, who was interested in the idea but cautious in the absence of guarantees that he could win. Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to support him, but an announcement could be postponed until after the U.S. midterm elections. Orbán declined to comment.

A candidate for UN secretary-general needs at least nine votes in the Security Council and cannot be vetoed by any of its five permanent members. A U.S. official estimates that Orbán could secure eight votes, with the possibility of reaching ten. However, the United Kingdom and France could block the nomination.

António Guterres is due to leave office on December 31, and the succession process is already under way. Orbán has not been officially nominated. Reports about his political future emerged after his electoral defeat in April, which ended his 16 years in power.