US Vice-President JD Vance has insisted he was right to stage a two-day campaign visit to back Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán five days before he was voted out of office by opposition party Tisza's landslide victory.
Vance described Orbán as a great guy who did a very good job during his time in office and highlighted his stance against the European Union's administrative oversight, telling Fox News that he was one of the few European leaders we've seen who's been willing to stand up to the bureaucracy in Brussels. Despite his disappointment over Orbán's loss, Vance remained optimistic that the US would work very well with the new government.
Péter Magyar, who led Tisza to victory, previously cautioned against foreign interference in Hungary's elections, although Vance emphasized the US's importance as a NATO ally, expressing willingness to engage regardless of the leadership change. Magyar is expected to take on the role of Prime Minister soon, while Orbán will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity until the new government is established.
Relations between Hungary and the US may shift as Magyar prepares to assume power. He has called for a speedy transition of power and has made it clear that he expects to convene Hungary's National Assembly quickly in order to solidify his leadership.
In the background of this political upheaval, Magyar has expressed intentions to tackle corruption and improve Hungary's standing within the EU, aiming to unlock billions in frozen funds while reversing some of Orbán's policies that have drawn criticism from European partners.
