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

JD Vance Defends Support for Orbán Despite His Electoral Defeat

JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, has defended his decision to campaign for Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s former prime minister, just days before the opposition party Tisza secured a decisive victory. Vance asserted that Orbán was a “great guy” and had performed a “very good job,” emphasizing his willingness to challenge bureaucratic power in Brussels. During a Fox News appearance, Vance noted that Orbán was one of the few European leaders who had stood up to the EU’s institutional dominance, though he admitted disappointment at his loss.

While Péter Magyar, the Tisza leader, initially criticized Vance’s involvement, calling it an example of foreign interference in Hungarian elections, he later acknowledged the U.S. as a “strong and important” NATO ally. Magyar said he would engage with American officials if contacted, even as he continued to advocate for a government free from external influence. Orbán will serve as a caretaker leader until Magyar’s inauguration, with the new parliament’s formation and prime minister selection set to occur by 12 May.

Magyar has outlined his plans for the incoming administration, including the establishment of anti-corruption bodies and efforts to rejoin the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office. He described Hungary as the EU’s poorest and most corrupt member, citing a system of cronyism under Orbán that diverted public contracts to favored individuals and weakened judicial independence. The new government aims to recover €17bn in suspended EU funds and unlock additional loans, totaling an estimated €33bn, frozen due to concerns over rule of law and democratic backsliding.

Magyar’s campaign also focused on restoring state media independence, with a proposal to introduce a board akin to the BBC’s model to ensure unbiased reporting. This came after he was granted public media access for the first time following his electoral triumph. The EU Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen praised Magyar’s commitment to “swift work to restore the rule of law” and align with European values. Meanwhile, EU leaders are pressing Hungary to lift an aid veto imposed by Orbán, which blocked €90bn in Ukraine support. Magyar dismissed the veto’s relevance, noting Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan in December.

Magyar’s early foreign engagements include a planned appearance on public radio and TV on Wednesday, marking a shift from his previous exclusion. He has pledged to enforce unbiased coverage until state media independence is guaranteed, signaling a focus on transparency. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who met Magyar in Munich earlier this year, has urged rapid release of EU aid to Ukraine, with Hungary’s new government making Berlin a priority for diplomatic outreach.