JD Vance defends backing ‘great guy’ Orbán’s campaign after landslide defeat
JD Vance Supports Viktor Orbán Despite Defeat
US Vice President JD Vance has defended his decision to visit Hungary twice to endorse Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just days before the opposition party Tisza secured a decisive electoral win. He praised Orbán as a “great guy” who had “done a very good job,” highlighting his resistance to Brussels’ bureaucratic influence. Vance expressed confidence that the United States would collaborate effectively with the new administration, even though Orbán’s government was ousted by a landslide.
Opposition Leader Criticizes Foreign Involvement
Péter Magyar, the leader of Tisza, previously condemned Vance’s support, warning that “no foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections.” However, he acknowledged the US’s importance as a NATO ally and said he would engage with officials if contacted. Magyar’s victory has set the stage for a significant shift in Hungary’s political landscape, with the incoming government aiming to address long-standing issues.
Transition and New Priorities
Viktor Orbán will remain in a temporary leadership role until Magyar’s inauguration, with parliament’s three major party leaders invited to meet President Tamás Sulyok on Wednesday. Sulyok is tasked with forming the new parliament and recommending a successor by 12 May, though he has not indicated an intention to resign. Magyar, who secured 137 parliamentary seats, emphasized the urgency of establishing independent state media and restoring EU-aligned policies.
Magyar’s Campaign Promises
Magyar has outlined plans to tackle corruption and economic challenges, including the creation of an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency. He also aims to align Hungary with the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The new government seeks to unlock €17bn in suspended EU funds and €16bn in defense loans, which were frozen under Orbán’s rule.
EU Concerns and Ukraine Aid
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted discussions with Magyar, stressing the need to “restore the rule of law” and “realign with shared European values.” Meanwhile, EU leaders are pushing Hungary to lift its veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, imposed weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, citing Hungary’s role in excluding the loan last December.
Magyar’s Public Media Initiative
Magyar highlighted his first appearance on public radio and TV on Wednesday, a contrast to his earlier exclusion from such platforms. He initially declined the invitation but pledged to ensure unbiased coverage by establishing a media oversight board, mirroring the BBC’s model. This move underscores his commitment to transparency and reform as Hungary transitions to a new era.
International Engagement
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of swift Ukraine aid release following Hungary’s political change. Merz had previously met Magyar in Munich and expects him to prioritize Germany in the new administration’s foreign agenda.
