US Official Estimates Viktor Orban Could Secure 10 UN Security Council Votes

A United States State Department official estimated that Viktor Orban could secure votes from as many as 10 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council. The official told a Jerusalem Post report that eight members would easily support the former Hungarian prime minister if he entered the race for the UN Secretary-General. This projection forms the basis of a current diplomatic effort to position Orban as a joint candidate backed by the United States, Russia, and China.

The initiative began with internal discussions among US officials who sought a successor to the current UN leadership with a specific ideological profile. They described the desired candidate as someone like Orban. Their counterparts in China and Russia reportedly agreed with this assessment. Following these exchanges, Washington approached Orban to encourage him to run. He expressed interest in the position but has not yet made a final decision. He declined to comment on the report.

US officials believe that if all three major powers agree on a candidate, they can generally secure the necessary support within the Security Council. A State Department official admitted the idea initially sounded far-fetched but argued that Orban possesses the right ideological outlook. The official described him as a dream candidate for MAGA conservatives due to his opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media.

Orban voiced reservations about the bid tied to his identity as a nationalist politician. He was reportedly unwilling to announce a candidacy unless he was confident of winning. Another source familiar with the initiative said that President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are expected to back Orban if he runs. An announcement would reportedly wait until after the US midterm elections.

The positions of the United Kingdom and France remain a key question. Both are permanent members with veto power. The report suggested they might not block a candidate supported by a council majority and the other three permanent members. Neither London nor Paris has taken an official stance on Orban's potential candidacy.

An official from another country noted that the current field consists mostly of people from international bureaucracy or quiet diplomacy. Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating that Orban knows how to handle opposition and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment. However, the report raised concerns that his appointment could turn the post into a defender of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other authoritarian leaders. His ties to Moscow and Beijing and his record in Hungary would likely face scrutiny.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday, October 28, ahead of a Security Council straw poll on Wednesday, October 29. The informal vote is meant to gauge support as members work toward consensus on a nominee. It is unclear whether Orban's name will appear on the ballot, and more candidates could still enter the race.

The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, ends his term on December 31, 2026. For now, the push for Orban rests on discussions and assessments from sources cited in the report. There has been no official announcement of a candidacy and no public confirmation that the three powers would support him.