Trump administration approaches Orbán about UN chief role

The Trump administration has approached former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán about possibly becoming the next United Nations secretary-general, in a proposal reportedly viewed favourably by Russia and China. Orbán has not decided to run and has not been formally nominated, leaving the reported effort short of an official candidacy. The proposal emerged in discussions between U.S. officials and their Russian and Chinese counterparts, according to reporting based on sources in the three countries. Washington then contacted Orbán to gauge his interest. The accounts say he was receptive but reluctant to enter the race without confidence he could win. Orbán declined to comment. Neither Russia nor China has publicly endorsed him. A U.S. State Department official estimated that Orbán might secure eight votes on the 15-member Security Council relatively easily, with 10 potentially within reach. That estimate is not a recorded vote. A candidate needs at least nine council votes and must avoid a veto from any of its five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Even if the United States, Russia and China supported Orbán, France or the...