As the war continues in the Middle East, the United States does not forget other regions of the world. The proof is that Vice President J.D. Vance is arriving in Hungary today, where a highly important election is taking place.
The Hungarian legislative elections will be held on Sunday. Polls suggest that the incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is seeking a fifth term after sixteen years of uninterrupted and unquestioned power, is facing difficulties. His opponent, Peter Magyar, a former member of the ruling Fidesz party and the ex-husband of the former Minister of Justice, is capitalizing on economic and social discontent related to inflation and corruption accusations. Orban, on the other hand, is framing his campaign around the threat of external influences, particularly Ukraine, which he accuses of potentially dragging nearly ten million Hungarians into war.
This election holds significant geopolitical importance, as it symbolizes the creator of illiberal democracy emerging as a model for many far-right movements worldwide. The American national security strategy recommends aligning with so-called friendly or patriotic parties to redirect Europe’s trajectory, specifically alluding to Hungary. There is a claimed ideological proximity, especially on the topic of migration. Orban has even spoken at the CPAC, the conservative political action conference, in 2022, receiving support from the White House.
The trio of Budapest-Washington-Moscow aims to weaken Europe for ideological reasons, citing a supposed decline in European values. Hungary, despite receiving European assistance, has become a significant obstacle within the European Union. With the unanimity rule in the European Council, Hungary has either blocked or delayed foreign policy decisions. Recent examples include obstructing sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine, leading the German Chancellor to denounce Budapest’s lack of loyalty.
In the midst of the Hungarian election campaign, European leaders have visited Ukraine to commemorate the Boutcha massacre by Russian forces. While France has refrained from interfering in the election, it is evident that European leaders would not miss Viktor Orban. His potential defeat would show that resistance to illiberal models, as seen in Romania or Moldova, can be overcome.
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