UN post should not be a consolation prize for Orbán, France says
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (photo: Getty Images)
France has opposed the possible appointment of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as UN secretary-general, according to French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.
"The position of Secretary-General of the United Nations is not intended to serve as a consolation prize for a leader defeated at the ballot box and rejected by his own people," Barrot said.
He also recalled that Marine Le Pen campaigned in Budapest last March.
The minister noted that Paris cannot accept the UN's weakening and paralysis, driven by major powers seeking to impose the law of the strongest.
He stressed that international cooperation is critical to protecting people from modern threats, including war, climate change, and pandemics.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France is working to reform the organization to make it more legitimate and representative.
In particular, Paris is promoting an initiative to limit the use of vetoes to protect civilians in conflict zones worldwide.
As reported, Viktor Orbán could become UN secretary-general with the support of the United States, Russia, and China.
The Trump administration is actively promoting the Hungarian politician's candidacy and seeking joint support from Beijing and Moscow.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has reacted ironically to the possibility of Orbán's nomination, pointing to his long record of blocking decisions and using veto power in the European Union.
