US Vice President J.D. Vance visited Hungary days before parliamentary elections, voicing support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term.
“I am here for more cooperation between our two countries,” Vance said at a joint press conference with Orbán, describing the “defense of Western civilization” as a shared goal of the US and Hungary under Donald Trump and Orbán.
Vance also said the US and Hungary could play a role in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine.
Orbán said Trump had created a “golden age” in US–Hungarian relations. Trump has also publicly expressed support for Orbán ahead of the vote.
The April 12 parliamentary elections are expected to be one of the most competitive in Orbán’s 16 years in power. Polls suggest a close race between Orbán’s party Fidesz and its main challenger, Tisza, led by Péter Magyar.
Political analysts say Orbán has become a prominent figure among far-right and Eurosceptic movements globally. His government has faced criticism over alleged institutional capture, human rights concerns, governance issues, and corruption. The EU has suspended funding to Hungary on several occasions over these concerns.
