Prime Minister of Hungary Peter Magyar sharply criticized the possibility of appointing his predecessor Viktor Orban as UN Secretary-General. In his opinion, such a decision would cause serious damage to the international organization.

Magyar stated this on October 29 at a press conference in Prague after intergovernmental consultations with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, the Czech agency ČTK reports.

Answering journalists' questions about the possible nomination of Orban, the head of the Hungarian government admitted that the UN, like other international organizations, has many shortcomings. In particular, he mentioned the slow decision-making and efficiency problems.

However, according to Magyar, these shortcomings do not mean that the organization should be liquidated. He said that appointing Orban could be the beginning of the destruction of the UN.

"If someone wants to destroy the UN, then Orban would be a good start", — said the Hungarian Prime Minister.

Magyar also accused the former head of government of creating a corrupt system in Hungary. He reminded that three former members of Orban's cabinet are under arrest, and said he did not consider it right to entrust the leadership of an international organization to a politician with such a past.

According to Magyar, the UN, despite all its shortcomings, is not a criminal organization and should not become one. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis, who attended the press conference, refrained from commenting on the possible appointment of Orban.

The reason for the discussion was a publication by The Wall Street Journal on October 25. As Kurs.com.ua previously reported, the administration of US President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of nominating Orban for the position of UN Secretary-General.

According to the American publication, Washington has already discussed this idea with the former Hungarian prime minister and hopes for possible support from Russia and China. Orban himself, according to WSJ sources, has shown interest in the offer, but would not want to participate in the election without confidence in a positive outcome.

Orban's candidacy has not yet been officially nominated. His name is absent from the UN's published list of candidates.

To be appointed Secretary-General, a recommendation from the UN Security Council is required, followed by approval by the General Assembly. Moreover, any of the five permanent members of the Security Council, including France and the United Kingdom, can block the candidacy.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also spoke against the possible appointment of Orban on October 29, saying that the position of Secretary-General should not become compensation for a politician who lost an election.

The term of office of current UN Secretary-General António Guterres expires on December 31, 2026. The new head of the organization must take office on January 1, 2027.

Based on materials from: ČTK, Telex, Ukrinform, United Nations.