JD Vance plans Hungary visit to back Orbán ahead of tight election

US Vice President JD Vance is planning a visit to Hungary in the coming days in a move widely seen as support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of a closely contested election, according to Reuters.

The trip is intended to provide visible political backing for Orbán, who is facing his most serious electoral challenge since returning to power in 2010. Opinion polls indicate that his ruling party, Fidesz, is currently trailing the opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar.

However, the visit is not yet окончательно confirmed and could be affected by the escalating military confrontation in the Middle East between Israel and Iran. If it proceeds, Vance would become the second senior US official to travel to Budapest in recent months.

In February 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Hungary, where he described Orbán’s leadership as “crucial” to US interests and suggested Washington could provide financial support if Fidesz retains power.

US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly praised Orbán, calling him a “strong leader” and a model of conservatism. Supporters of Trump view Hungary’s policies—particularly on immigration and the promotion of traditional values—as a template for governance.

Despite this backing, Orbán is facing a genuine risk of losing power for the first time in over a decade. While nationwide polling shows the Tisza Party in the lead, Hungary’s electoral system is heavily influenced by single-member districts, where Fidesz maintains entrenched support networks, particularly in rural areas and small towns.

At the same time, Orbán has made foreign policy—especially relations with Ukraine—a central theme of his campaign. He has increasingly portrayed Ukraine as a hostile actor. On March 11, Orbán published a video claiming that his children and grandchildren had received threats allegedly originating from Ukrainians.

By Tamilla Hasanova