A Public Show of Support in Budapest
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a clear message from Donald Trump during his visit to Budapest: Washington wants Viktor Orbán to remain in power.
Speaking alongside Orbán after the Munich Security Conference, Rubio praised the Hungarian leader’s close personal relationship with Trump, saying that connection had strengthened ties between the two countries. He added that Trump is “deeply committed” to Orbán’s success, framing Hungary’s stability and prosperity as aligned with U.S. interests.
Rubio pointed to Hungary’s recent one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers as an example of how personal diplomacy has paid off. According to him, the waiver reflected Washington’s desire to see Hungary’s economy thrive.
Elections Loom as Opposition Gains Ground
The show of solidarity comes at a sensitive time. Hungary is heading toward parliamentary elections in April, and recent polls suggest Orbán’s long-ruling Fidesz party is trailing the opposition Tisza Party. Orbán, who has led Hungary since 2010, acknowledged the challenge but dismissed concerns about a peaceful transition of power.
He emphasized his long political career, noting that he has spent years both in government and in opposition. “There is no need to be afraid,” he said, adding that the next government will reflect the will of Hungarian voters.
During the press conference, Orbán accused Ukraine of attempting to influence the election campaign. He claimed Kyiv was backing the opposition in hopes of easing Hungary’s veto on Ukraine’s EU accession talks—an issue that has strained relations between the two countries.
Regional Alliances and Strategic Ties
Rubio’s visit also included stops in Slovakia, where Prime Minister Robert Fico, like Orbán, has expressed support for Trump and skepticism toward certain EU policies. In Budapest, the U.S. and Hungary signed an energy cooperation agreement, with both sides describing bilateral relations as entering a “golden age.”
Orbán revealed that Trump has an open invitation to visit Hungary before the election, though no official plans have been confirmed. Meanwhile, the opposition Tisza Party said it welcomed Rubio’s visit, calling the United States a crucial ally and stressing that strong U.S.-Hungarian relations would remain a priority regardless of the election outcome.
