Ukraine's MFA notes irony of proposing Orbán for UN chief given his EU veto record
Viktor Orbán (Photo: facebook com orbanviktor)
Ukraine reacted ironically to the idea of potentially nominating former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for the position of UN Secretary-General, states Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha.
He commented on the possible appointment of the Hungarian politician to a leadership position at the UN. Sybiha recalled the systematic blocking and delaying of decisions within the EU due to Budapest’s position.
"I am certain that Viktor Orbán, as UN Secretary-General, would put to good use the masterful veto and blackmail skills he has developed over years of derailing major EU decisions. We can share with the rest of the world our great experience of taking him out for coffee at the right moment," noted the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The phrase "take him out for coffee" became well-known after the EU summit in December 2023.
Then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz suggested that Orbán leave the room and have coffee during the vote on starting negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Thanks to this, the decision was adopted unanimously without Hungary’s participation.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration of US President Trump is promoting Orbán for the post of UN Secretary-General. Washington hopes that he will also be supported by Russia and China.
According to a State Department official’s assessment, Orbán could be "easily" supported by 8 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council, and potentially even 10. Officials from the US and another country stated: when Washington, Moscow, and Beijing agree on a decision in the Security Council, they usually get it.
