Trump eyes Orbán for UN chief

In Washington, Orbán is seen as a candidate whose worldview aligns with the conservative camp identified with Trump. A source at the US State Department even described him as "the MAGA conservative's dream candidate," referring to his hardline positions on immigration and his confrontations with liberal organizations and with centers of power in Hungary's judiciary and media.

According to sources cited in the report, Orbán's name came up in conversations among US, Russian and Chinese officials even before direct contact was made with him. The Americans were looking for a candidate with characteristics similar to those of the former Hungarian prime minister, and according to the sources, Beijing and Moscow also expressed agreement with the idea.

US officials estimate that joint support from the three powers could give Orbán a significant advantage in the Security Council. One American source estimated that eight of the Council's 15 members might support him, and even raised the possibility of securing ten votes.

At this stage, however, no formal commitment from Russia or China to back Orbán has been published, and the US administration has not yet announced his candidacy. Another question mark concerns the positions of Britain and France, which hold veto power on the Council. According to the report, the two may refrain from opposing a candidate who wins the support of the other three powers, but no official position has been given by either.

The ties between Trump and Orbán have strengthened in recent years, against the backdrop of their shared positions on immigration and conservative policy. Trump backed Orbán in elections held in Hungary in April, and US Vice President JD Vance even participated in the campaign on his behalf.

According to a source involved in the contacts, Trump and Vance are expected to support Orbán in the race for UN secretary-general as well, if he decides to run. However, a possible announcement may wait until after the US midterm elections.

Orbán, who served for many years as Hungary's prime minister, has repeatedly clashed with European Union institutions, including over his domestic policies. At the same time, he has maintained ties with Russia and China, which may help him secure support among the powers, but could also make his candidacy controversial.

Orbán is not the only candidate being considered for the post. The diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, Lana Nusseibeh, joined the race last week, and according to the report her candidacy is gaining momentum.

On Wednesday, the Security Council is expected to hold another straw poll, designed to test support for the various candidates ahead of forming a consensus on the next secretary-general. It is not yet clear whether Orbán's name will be included in the vote.

The term of the current UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, is set to end on December 31. So far, the possibility that Orbán will replace him remains a move being examined behind the scenes, with no official announcement of his candidacy or public confirmation of joint support from Washington, Moscow and Beijing.