Supporting Orban Before the Election: US Vice President Vance Departs for Hungary

U.S. Vice President JD Vance flew to Hungary on the night of the 6th to convey President Donald Trump's support for his ally, nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, ahead of the country's highly competitive parliamentary election. Speaking to reporters as he departed from Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., Vance said, "We will discuss many issues related to U.S.-Hungary relations." He added, "Of course, I am sure that Europe, Ukraine, and all other relevant issues will be a focus." According to a statement from Vance's office, he is expected to meet with Orban and deliver a speech on the "rich partnership between the United States and Hungary." The 41-year-old conservative is one of the harshest critics of centrist and progressive European governments within the U.S. administration and one of the most ardent supporters of far-right European parties. His visit is intended to provide support for Orban in the final sprint before the election on the 11th. Orban, 62, has been in power for 16 years and has close ties to Moscow. Analysts believe he has benefited from secret Russian aid, thereby increasing his chances of re-election. Polls from independent institutions predict that the "Respect and Freedom Party" (Tisza), led by pro-European conservative Peter Magyar, will win a landslide victory. In just two years, Magyar has built an opposition movement capable of challenging Orban's leadership. The current Hungarian leader has transformed his country into a model of illiberal democracy. However, pro-government institutions predict that Orban's Fidesz-KDNP coalition will win the election. Vance's wife, Usha Vance, will accompany him on the visit to Hungary.