JD Vance defends backing ‘great guy’ Orbán’s campaign after landslide defeat

JD Vance Defends Backing Viktor Orbán Despite Landslide Opposition Victory

US Vice President JD Vance has defended his decision to visit Hungary for a two-day campaign rally in support of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, just days before the opposition Tisza party secured a decisive win in the country’s parliamentary elections. Vance emphasized Orbán’s effectiveness, calling him a “great guy” who had “done a very good job” during his tenure. He highlighted Orbán as one of the few European leaders willing to challenge the bureaucracy of Brussels, a stance Vance said would strengthen transatlantic ties.

Vance expressed disappointment over Orbán’s loss but assured that the United States would maintain a productive relationship with the new government. His remarks came amid criticism from Tisza leader Péter Magyar, who had previously warned against foreign interference in Hungarian elections. However, Magyar later acknowledged the US’s importance as a NATO partner, stating he would engage with officials if called upon.

Magyar’s Ambitions and Institutional Reforms

Péter Magyar, now leading the opposition, outlined plans to reform Hungary’s governance structure. He noted that Orbán will serve as a caretaker until his inauguration, with President Tamás Sulyok tasked with convening the new parliament and recommending a successor by 12 May. Magyar urged Sulyok to act swiftly and resign, describing him as a “puppet” of the previous administration.

Magyar also announced intentions to appear on public media on Wednesday, a move he said was long overdue after being excluded from TV and radio coverage during his leadership. He pledged to ensure state media independence by establishing a governing board, drawing parallels to the BBC and other public broadcasters. With a “super majority” of 137 parliamentary seats, Magyar aims to address systemic issues like corruption and restore Hungary’s alignment with European values.

EU Funding and Ukraine Aid Priorities

Magyar emphasized his government’s commitment to unlocking suspended EU funds, including €17bn in frozen financial support and an additional €16bn in defense loans. He criticized Orbán’s regime for enabling widespread corruption through a cronyist system that diverted public contracts to favored individuals. The new leader also plans to create an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency, aiming to align with the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Meanwhile, EU leaders are pressing Hungary to lift a veto Orbán imposed on €90bn in Ukrainian aid, which was critical in the weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary had joined three nations in opting out of the loan last December. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Magyar in Munich earlier this year, called for rapid release of the aid, positioning Berlin as a key destination for the new Hungarian government’s diplomatic efforts.