In a joint press conference held today, Tuesday, April 7 in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance responded to questions from the press. A few hours later, the latter delivered a major campaign speech to be featured in tomorrow morning’s edition of the magazine – marking an additional stage in Washington’s interference in European politics.
The timing of Vance’s visit to Europe is not without significance, as it occurs during a war in the Middle East and just as the ultimatum issued by Donald Trump against the Iranian regime is coming to an end.
During their discussion, Vance and Orbán echoed, at times word for word, scripted language from the Kremlin. Notably, the Vice President of the United States accused Ukraine of interfering against Budapest and Washington, targeting the sovereignty of European states and the European Union as a whole. He stated, “One of the reasons the President of the United States sent me here is because we believe the level of interference from the Brussels administration has been truly scandalous.”
While Orbán’s alignment with Russian President Putin’s Russia is well-documented, recent revelations have shed light on Orbán presenting himself as a “mouse” in service to a “lion.” The tough remarks made by Vance just days before the end of the Hungarian election campaign testify to two things. Firstly, Orbán and his allies are genuinely concerned about the rise of Peter Magyar, potentially ending Fidesz’s rule, prompting the Vice President of the United States to intervene by echoing Kremlin statements on which Orbán has built his campaign. Secondly, following the implementation of the “hemispheric geopolitics” in Venezuela and the outbreak of a large-scale war in the Middle East leading to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S.’s political priority in Europe remains fundamentally the same as Vance had announced in Munich over a year ago – regime change.
Europe is on the verge of its worst energy crisis in history. A dramatic price surge is imminent if action is not taken promptly. The risk of energy, gas, and oil shortages is real.
In this context, it is crucial to ensure a strong energy cooperation between the United States and Hungary, without which sufficient supply may not be possible. Efforts by the United States to develop peace in the world were discussed, which Hungary strongly supports.
The shadow of war has loomed for over four years now. President Trump’s efforts are commendable, and had he been truly elected in 2020, there would have been no war in Ukraine. Peace would prevail today, as it should have been long ago.
The issue of strong and open interference in Hungary’s upcoming legislative elections is particularly pertinent and needs to be addressed.
Discussions continued on the topic of civilization in Europe, focusing on four key areas – immigration, gender ideology, family policy, and global security. Hungary’s vast experience in each of these domains underlines the agreement to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Vance expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome in Hungary, reminiscing about a personal trip to Budapest years earlier. He emphasized the importance of continued partnership between the United States and Hungary based on exceptional achievements, aimed at building upon mutual accomplishments.
In response to questions raised during the conference, Orb
