U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance began a visit to Budapest on Tuesday by praising Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces a closely contested parliamentary election on Sunday.
Vance’s trip comes as opinion polls suggest Orbán, in power since 2010, could face a serious challenge in the 12 April vote. The Hungarian leader has strong backing from figures on the American right, particularly allies of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has described him as a powerful and influential figure.
Before closed-door talks, Vance conveyed a message from Trump, saying the president admired both Orbán and the Hungarian people, highlighting what he called their “remarkable culture”.
Speaking alongside Orbán, Vance sharply criticised the European Union, accusing officials in Brussels of attempting to undermine Hungary ahead of the election.
“The bureaucrats in Brussels have tried to destroy the economy of Hungary. They have tried to make Hungary less energy independent. They have tried to drive up costs for Hungarian consumers. And they've done it all because they hate this guy,” Vance said.
He described the actions as among the most serious examples of foreign interference in an election.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said discussions during the visit would focus on migration, global security, and economic and energy cooperation between the two countries.
The visit also comes amid growing energy ties. Bloomberg previously reported that Hungarian oil company MOL had agreed to purchase around 500,000 tonnes of oil from the U.S. in a deal worth roughly $500 million.
Orbán, a Eurosceptic who has maintained close relations with Russia and taken a firm stance against liberal policies, has become a prominent figure among conservative movements abroad. His re-election is seen by supporters in the U.S. as strategically significant.
The outcome of Hungary’s election is being closely watched internationally, with attention focused on both domestic political dynamics and broader geopolitical implications.
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