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

JD Vance Defends Support for Orbán Amid Tisza’s Electoral Triumph

JD Vance, the U.S. vice-president, has expressed confidence in his decision to participate in a two-day campaign event endorsing Viktor Orbán, the former Hungarian prime minister, just days before the opposition party Tisza secured a decisive victory. Vance highlighted Orbán’s qualities, calling him a “standout figure” who has “effectively navigated European politics” by challenging bureaucratic norms in Brussels. Despite acknowledging Orbán’s loss, he emphasized that the U.S. would “continue to collaborate smoothly” with the new administration.

Péter Magyar, the leader of Tisza, initially criticized Vance’s involvement, asserting that “no external entity should influence Hungarian elections.” However, he later acknowledged the U.S.’s significance as a NATO ally and indicated he would engage with officials if contacted. Orbán remains in a transitional leadership role until Magyar is formally sworn in, with three parliamentary party leaders set to meet President Tamás Sulyok on Wednesday to discuss the next steps.

Magyar’s Agenda and Media Reforms

Magyar, who aims to lead Hungary into a new era, has outlined several key objectives. He emphasized the need to convene the National Assembly promptly and appoint a new prime minister by 12 May. Magyar also proposed establishing a media oversight board to ensure state broadcasters operate independently, drawing parallels to the BBC’s model. This initiative comes after he was granted public media access only after his party’s electoral success.

Magyar’s party, which has claimed a “super majority” of 137 parliamentary seats, seeks to address systemic issues under Orbán’s governance. He criticized the previous administration for fostering corruption, citing a network of cronyism that prioritized personal interests over public accountability. The new government plans to create an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency, while also pursuing membership in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

EU Funding and Ukraine Aid

Hungary’s suspended EU funding, estimated at €17bn, is expected to be reinstated under Magyar’s leadership. Additional loans totaling €16bn in defense support are also pending approval. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Magyar’s commitment to “revitalize the rule of law” and “align with European principles,” following their conversation on Tuesday. Meanwhile, EU leaders are pushing Hungary to lift its veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, which was imposed by Orbán in the months prior to the election.

Magyar dismissed the veto as insignificant, noting that Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan agreement in December. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged the swift release of the aid, having previously met with Magyar in Munich. The new Hungarian leader has announced Berlin as a top destination for his inaugural foreign visit, signaling a shift in political alliances and priorities.