JD Vance due in Hungary to back Orban’s re-election bid
JD Vance to Support Orban’s Re-election Campaign in Hungary
US Vice-President JD Vance will attend an election rally in Budapest on Tuesday, offering backing to Prime Minister Viktor Orban as the country prepares for a pivotal parliamentary vote. The 12 April election marks Orban’s most formidable test in his nearly four-decade-long political career. His re-election bid faces challenges from internal and external forces, including the emergence of the centre-right Tisza party.
Orban’s alliance with the Trump administration has been a cornerstone of his strategy. Last month, President Donald Trump reiterated his full support for the Hungarian leader in a video message to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). This partnership dates back to 2016, when Orban became the first EU head of government to endorse Trump’s presidential campaign. Their relationship has since deepened, with Orban actively campaigning for Trump’s return to office in 2024.
Orban’s energy policy has drawn scrutiny. Hungary relies heavily on Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline and gas through the TurkStream route, both of which have faced disruptions. Since January, the Druzhba pipeline—crossing Ukraine—has ceased delivering fuel, prompting Orban to accuse Ukraine of failing to repair it after a Russian strike on western Ukrainian infrastructure. Despite this, the Trump administration has not publicly endorsed the Hungarian government’s stance on the issue.
Political Rivalry and Polls
On Sunday, Orban will confront Peter Magyar, a former Fidesz party member who split from him two years ago to establish the Tisza party. Current polls indicate Tisza holds a 10-20% lead over Fidesz, though the pro-government Nezopont agency forecasts a narrow victory for Orban. This contest is critical as it could determine the direction of Hungary’s energy independence and its alignment with US interests.
“Normal diplomacy,” Szijjarto has described the leaked private calls, which reveal frequent communication with Russian officials. The foreign minister’s conversations, spanning years, suggest he shared sensitive EU discussions with Moscow and pushed to shield Russian diplomats from sanctions.
Meanwhile, a new development has unsettled Orban’s campaign. Serbian authorities reported explosives near the TurkStream pipeline close to the Hungarian border, labeling it a terror attack. However, opposition figures and former intelligence sources question the incident’s legitimacy, suggesting it may have been orchestrated with Serbian President Alexander Vucic’s help to bolster Orban’s re-election prospects.
Vance’s presence is seen as a strategic move to reinforce Orban’s image as a steadfast international leader. With Ukraine and Russia shaping global dynamics, the US vice-president’s endorsement aims to sway undecided voters and reaffirm Hungary’s position in the broader geopolitical landscape.
