10 votes: US official projects Orban's potential UN Security Council tally

US President Donald Trump is lobbying former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban to run for the position of United Nations secretary-general.

A report citing sources from three countries indicates that American officials have approached Orban to encourage him to enter the race. While Orban has expressed interest, he has not yet made a final decision on whether to bid.

US State Department officials estimate that Orban could secure the votes of eight out of the 15 Security Council members with ease. The official further projected that he might reach a total of 10 votes. This calculation assumes that Washington, Moscow, and Beijing would agree on his candidacy. According to the report, when these three powers align, they can generally secure the desired outcome at the council. No public commitments from any specific country have been cited to support these projections.

Orban’s name surfaced repeatedly during early discussions about the qualities desired in the next leader. US officials reportedly sought a candidate similar to Orban, a preference shared by their Chinese and Russian counterparts. Orban was receptive to the idea but voiced reservations due to his identity as a nationalist politician. He is reportedly unwilling to announce a bid unless he is confident of winning. He declined to comment on the report.

The State Department official described Orban as the dream candidate for MAGA conservatives. The official pointed to Orban’s opposition to large-scale immigration, liberal nongovernmental organizations, and established centers of power in Hungary’s judiciary and media. Trump endorsed Orban during Hungary’s April elections, and Vice President JD Vance campaigned on his behalf. Another source familiar with the initiative said Trump and Vance are expected to back Orban if he runs. Any 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. An official from another country noted that the current field consists mostly of people from international bureaucracy or quiet diplomacy. In contrast, Orban would bring the approach of a political leader used to wielding power. The US official agreed, stating that Orban has the right ideological outlook and would not be intimidated by the UN establishment.

Concerns have been raised 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, along with his record in Hungary, would likely face scrutiny. The report noted that his opposition to the European Union and his closer ties with China during his time in office would be examined.

Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh is among the declared candidates. She entered the race last week and is reportedly gaining momentum. She is expected to answer questions on Tuesday, ahead of another Security Council straw poll on Wednesday. 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 field.

Antonio Guterres’s term ends on December 31. 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.