JD Vance visits Hungary to back Orbán days before tough election
apnews.com • • world
Key Points:
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Budapest to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s reelection campaign, signaling strong backing from the Trump administration ahead of Hungary’s April 12 election.
- Orbán, in power since 2010 and a close Trump ally, faces his toughest challenge in two decades from the center-right Tisza party, with polls showing him trailing by double digits.
- Orbán’s tenure has been marked by accusations of undermining democratic institutions, press freedom, and political corruption, while becoming a symbol for the global far-right movement.
- The Trump administration has maintained close ties with Orbán, including exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Russian energy and public endorsements, reflecting broader support for European far-right parties.
- Vance’s participation in Orbán’s campaign rally is an unusual move for a foreign official and underscores the administration’s commitment to Orbán’s victory despite concerns over election interference and sovereignty.
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