As António Guterres’ term as U.N. Secretary-General approaches its conclusion on December 31, speculation arises around potential successors. Reports indicate that the Trump administration is interested in former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a candidate for the position.

Support from Global Powers

Sources from three countries have revealed that the U.S. has encouraged Orbán to enter the race. Notably, discussions involving his candidacy have also taken place with representatives from Russia and China, both of whom reportedly express support for the idea of having Orbán as a joint candidate representing the three nations.

Analyses and Reactions

The editorial board of The Wall Street Journal highlighted Orbán’s candidacy, noting that U.S. officials frequently considered him when discussing possible leaders for the U.N. They quoted, “As U.S. officials discussed who they would want to see atop the U.N., Mr. Orbán’s name kept coming up.” This sentiment was echoed in conversations with Chinese and Russian counterparts, leading officials to reconsider Orbán’s viability as a candidate.

However, the article also contained critical assessments of the idea of Orbán’s tenure at the U.N., describing it as potentially exacerbating the organization’s existing issues. The board stated, “Maybe the best to say about the Orbán idea is that it would lift the veil by giving the U.N. a leader as low as Turtle Bay has already sunk.”