Hungarian Far-Right Prime Minister Faces Tough Election, J.D. Vance Visits Budapest to Show Support

Reuters reported that ahead of the Hungarian parliamentary election on the 12th, J.D. Vance embarked on a two-day visit to Budapest. In addition to meeting with Viktor Orban, the two will jointly attend a campaign rally. Vance, who arrived with his wife Usha Vance, stated in an interview with Hungarian state television after landing: "This visit clearly shows that the relationship between the United States and Hungary is entering a new golden age." He said that he would consult with the Hungarian leadership on issues such as immigration, global security, economic, and energy cooperation. Bloomberg News reported that MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Plc will agree to purchase 500,000 tons of crude oil from the United States, valued at approximately $500 million. U.S. President Trump is committed to supporting like-minded right-wing leaders, including those in Argentina and Japan. This rare visit by a high-ranking Washington official to support Orban is another example. Trump has publicly expressed support for Orban, praising him as a "truly strong leader." Orban and his Fidesz-MPP party are facing their toughest election since returning to power in 2010. In most polls without a specific leaning, their support lags behind the center-right opposition Respect and Freedom Party (TISZA) led by Peter Magyar. He wrote: "This is our country. Hungarian history is not written in Washington, Moscow, or Brussels, but in the streets and squares of Hungary." Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting scholar at the Brookings Institution, pointed out: "Vance's visit is not routine diplomacy, but a clear statement of support as Orban faces the toughest battle of his career." "For the Trump administration, Orban is not just a conservative ideological ally, but a key figure attempting to build an illiberal camp in Europe. If Orban loses, this political trend will suffer a setback." (Compiled by He Hongru) 1150407