Orban is facing his toughest re-election fight since he took power in 2010, and public opinion polls show that he is lagging behind his opponent ahead of the April 12 election, writes Reuters.
Vance’s visit would follow US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip to Budapest in February to also publicly endorse Orban. During that visit, Rubio pointed out that Orban’s leadership is crucial to American interests, but also suggested that the continuation of close ties depends on Orban’s re-election. He also added that Washington would be ready to help Budapest financially if needed.
As the campaign enters its final month, polls show Orbán’s Fidesz party trailing the opposition Tisza party, led by former government official Peter Magyar, although large numbers of voters remain undecided.
The exact date of Vance’s visit is not yet known, and sources warn that plans could change. Namely, there is a possibility that high-ranking American officials will decide to stay in Washington because of the air war that the US and Israel are waging against Iran. President Donald Trump has already announced that he is postponing his trip to China because of the conflict. The White House had no comment for now, reports Index.hr.
Orban, one of Trump’s closest allies in Europe, has long been at odds with the European Union over a range of issues, including Ukraine. Despite Brussels’ stance, it maintains cordial relations with Moscow, refuses to send arms to Ukraine and claims that Kiev can never join the EU.
Trump endorsed Orban last month, calling him a “truly strong and powerful leader” in a social media post. Many on the American hard right view him as a role model for Trump’s strict immigration policy and advocacy for Christian conservatism.
Trump has previously endorsed conservative leaders around the world, most recently endorsing Argentina’s Javier Miley and Japan’s Sanae Takaichi. Vance himself has profiled himself as an influential vice president who is deeply involved in foreign policy affairs, and at the same time is reputed to be the most likely successor to Trump in the 2028 elections.
Hungary’s election, which is being held as the country struggles with weak economic growth and the fallout from inflation fueled by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, will have significant ramifications for Europe amid the strengthening of conservative and far-right political movements on the continent.
(Vijesti.ba)
