US Vice President JD Vance urged Hungarian voters to support Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a rally in Budapest, days before a closely contested national election that polls suggest the long-time leader could lose.
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Speaking late Tuesday at the MTK Sportpark arena, Vance initially said he had not come to Hungary to instruct voters how to cast their ballots. But he ended his speech by openly encouraging support for Orbán.
“If you stand for sovereignty and democracy… then go to the polls this weekend and stand with Viktor Orbán,” Vance told the crowd, drawing applause from supporters.
The vice president had travelled to Hungary for what was described as a celebration of Hungarian-American friendship. In practice, his appearance became the centerpiece of a campaign rally for Orbán, a conservative leader who has cultivated close ties with the political movement around US President Donald Trump.
Tight race ahead of vote
Hungary is due to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday. Orbán, who has governed for more than a decade, faces a strong challenge from Péter Magyar, a former member of Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party.
Magyar now leads the opposition Tisza Party and has accused the government of widespread corruption. Polls suggest his party could win enough support to form a new government.
During the rally, Vance said the United States would work with whichever government emerges from the vote, but added that he believed Orbán would win. “We have got to get Viktor Orbán re-elected as prime minister of Hungary,” he said.
The visit has drawn criticism from some observers, who say it is unusual for a senior Western official to intervene so directly in another country’s election campaign.
Criticism and accusations of interference
A spokesperson for the European Commission, Thomas Regnier, responded to Vance’s comments by stating that elections in Europe are decided solely by citizens.
Vance defended his remarks the following day in Budapest, rejecting accusations of interference. He argued that “foreign influence” occurs when governments use pressure or economic leverage to dictate how people should vote.
He also criticised the European Union for freezing billions of euros in funding to Hungary over concerns about democratic standards, describing the move as political pressure.
Outside the rally venue, a small group of demonstrators criticised the visit. One protester said Vance’s appearance resembled campaign support rather than a normal diplomatic trip.
Orbán’s role in global populist politics
Orbán has become a prominent figure in international right-wing politics, advocating strict immigration policies and opposition to liberal social policies. He has also portrayed himself as a defender of national sovereignty against what he describes as interference from Brussels.
The EU and several academic studies have criticised Hungary’s government for weakening judicial independence and restricting media freedom. Some analysts describe the country as an “electoral autocracy,” a label rejected by Orbán and his allies.
Supporters argue the competitive election itself demonstrates Hungary’s democratic system remains intact.
Orbán has also faced criticism over his stance on the war in Ukraine and his government’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia. Hungary has repeatedly clashed with EU partners over sanctions and financial support for Ukraine.
Uncertain impact of US support
Analysts say it remains unclear whether Vance’s appearance will influence the outcome of the vote. Some suggest it could even harm Orbán if voters view it as outside interference.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center found that public opinion in Hungary toward Trump is mixed, with a significant share of respondents expressing little or no confidence in him.
Despite the uncertainty, Orbán cast the election in sweeping terms, urging supporters to defend what he called Western civilisation and warning against political forces he says threaten Hungary’s sovereignty.
Hungarian voters will decide on Sunday whether Orbán’s long tenure continues or whether the opposition secures enough support to replace his government.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 9 April 2026
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