White House Endorsement Highlighted in Budapest
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Budapest to publicly show support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as his ruling Fidesz party faces a tight race ahead of April elections. Speaking alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio emphasized the personal connection Orbán has built with President Donald Trump, calling it key to strengthening bilateral relations.
Rubio cited tangible benefits of that relationship, including Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers. “It was because of that personal relationship. It’s because we want you to continue. After all, we want this economy to prosper, we want this country to do well. It’s in our national interest,” Rubio said. During his trip, Rubio also visited Slovakia, underscoring connections with Central European leaders supportive of Trump and critical of the EU.
Election Tensions and Claims of Interference
Orbán addressed concerns about the April vote, alleging that neighboring Ukraine is backing the opposition Tisza Party to facilitate its EU accession. Polls currently show Tisza leading Fidesz, which has governed Hungary with a supermajority since 2010. Orbán claimed Ukraine is using “full weight and weaponry” to influence the campaign, though he provided no public evidence.
Despite the high-stakes rhetoric, Orbán reassured that he would respect a peaceful transfer of power if defeated. Highlighting his decades of experience in government, including 16 years as opposition leader, he told reporters, “The next government will be created after the election based on the intention of the Hungarian people.”
Trump’s Potential Visit and U.S.-Hungary Relations
Orbán confirmed that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the elections, though no visit has been finalized. “The less we know anything certain about something, the more possible it might happen,” he said.
Rubio did not meet with any Tisza Party representatives, but the opposition welcomed his visit in a statement, stressing the importance of strong U.S.-Hungarian ties regardless of election outcomes. At the press conference, the Hungarian and U.S. foreign ministers also signed an energy cooperation agreement, describing current relations as a “golden age” for bilateral partnership.
