JD Vance Defends Support for Orbán After Hungarian Leader’s Election Defeat

US Vice-President JD Vance has defended his decision to campaign alongside Hungary’s outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán shortly before the Hungarian leader’s election defeat, describing him as a “great guy” who had done a “very good job” in office.

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Orbán’s long tenure ended after opposition party Tisza Party secured a decisive victory in Hungary’s parliamentary election. The party is led by Péter Magyar, who will now attempt to form the country’s next government.

Vance Stands by Campaign Visit

Vance had travelled to Hungary for a two-day visit just days before voters went to the polls, openly supporting Orbán’s campaign. Speaking to Fox News after the election result, the US vice-president said he had no regrets about the trip.

He described Orbán as one of the few European leaders prepared to challenge what he called “the bureaucracy in Brussels”, referring to the influence of the European Union on member states.

Although Vance said he was disappointed by Orbán’s defeat, he added that Washington expected to maintain a constructive relationship with Hungary’s incoming administration.

“We’ll work very well with the new government,” he said in the interview.

Election Campaign Tensions

Magyar, whose Tisza Party won the vote by a wide margin, had previously criticised Vance’s appearance in the campaign.

Last week he warned that outside powers should not attempt to influence Hungarian elections, saying “no foreign country may interfere”.

Despite that criticism, the opposition leader struck a more conciliatory tone after the results were announced. He described the United States as a “strong and important” ally within NATO and said he would be willing to speak with Donald Trump or other US officials if contacted.

Transition of Power Under Way

Orbán will remain in charge of Hungary in a caretaker capacity until a new government is formally installed. Magyar is expected to assume office once the constitutional process for forming a government is completed.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok has invited the leaders of the three parties represented in parliament to consultations on Wednesday.

As head of state, Sulyok is responsible for convening the new parliament and nominating a candidate for prime minister. Under the current timetable, that recommendation must be made by 12 May.

Magyar has urged the president to accelerate the process, calling on him to convene parliament quickly and step down afterward. He has previously criticised Sulyok as being closely aligned with Orbán’s government.

However, the presidential office has indicated that Sulyok has no intention of resigning.

Hungarian media report that the president is expected to discuss the schedule for convening the Hungarian National Assembly and the nomination of a new prime minister during his meetings with party leaders.

Magyar has suggested he could take office as early as 5 May, or potentially sooner if the process moves quickly.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 15 April 2026