U.S. Signals Support for Orbán
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Budapest to deliver a message of support from former President Donald Trump to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose ruling Fidesz party is trailing in polls ahead of April’s elections. At a press conference, Rubio praised Orbán’s personal rapport with Trump and credited it for strengthening U.S.–Hungary relations, citing last year’s one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil imports as an example of tangible benefits.
Rubio’s visit followed the Munich Security Conference and included Slovakia, where he met Prime Minister Robert Fico, another Trump supporter. In Budapest, the U.S. and Hungarian foreign ministers signed an energy cooperation deal, describing it as a “golden age” in bilateral relations.
Election Tensions and Accusations
Orbán also addressed the upcoming elections, accusing neighboring Ukraine of attempting to influence the campaign in favor of the opposition Tisza Party, which currently leads in the polls. His government claims Kyiv’s support aims to advance Ukraine’s EU accession, while Hungary has blocked progress on negotiating chapters with Ukraine.
Despite the political pressure, Orbán assured the public he would honor the results, citing his experience as both Hungary’s longest-serving prime minister and a long-time opposition leader. “The next government will be created after the election based on the intention of the Hungarian people,” he said.
Trump Visit and U.S.–Hungary Relations
Orbán confirmed that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the elections, though a date has not been set. He suggested that the uncertainty could make a visit more likely.
Rubio did not meet with Tisza Party representatives, but the opposition welcomed his visit, emphasizing the importance of strong U.S.–Hungary relations regardless of the election outcome.
