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

JD Vance Defends Support for Orbán Amid Tisza’s Overwhelming Victory

JD Vance, the U.S. vice-president, defended his recent backing of Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, following the opposition party Tisza’s decisive electoral triumph. Despite Orbán’s defeat, Vance praised him as a “great guy” who had “done a very good job,” emphasizing his stance against European bureaucracy in Brussels. The U.S. leader expressed confidence that the country would collaborate effectively with the new administration, even as Orbán’s loss marked a shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

Magyar’s Response to Foreign Interference

Péter Magyar, who led Tisza to victory, initially criticized Vance’s involvement, warning that “no foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections.” However, he later acknowledged the U.S. as a “strong and important” NATO ally, stating he would engage with them if President Donald Trump or others reached out. Magyar’s party now holds a supermajority of 137 seats, setting the stage for significant reforms.

“No foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections,” Magyar said last week, before later adding, “the U.S. is a strong and important NATO partner, and I’d talk to them if called.”

Magyar has outlined several initiatives, including establishing an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency. He also aims to restart Hungary’s EU funding process, which had been frozen due to concerns over rule of law and democratic backsliding under Orbán. Approximately €17bn in suspended funds and an additional €16bn in defense loans await approval.

Orbán’s Role as Caretaker Leader

While Orbán steps down as prime minister, he will remain in a caretaker capacity until Magyar’s inauguration. President Tamás Sulyok, who convenes the new parliament, is expected to meet with the three major party leaders on Wednesday to discuss the timing of the National Assembly’s session and the selection of a successor. Sulyok has refused to resign, despite Magyar’s suggestion that he be viewed as a “puppet” of the outgoing government.

Magyar’s victory also means he will soon appear on public radio and TV, a privilege denied to him during his leadership of the opposition. He declined the initial invitation and pledged to ensure unbiased coverage, proposing a media independence board akin to the BBC’s model. This move reflects his commitment to transparency as he prepares to lead Hungary.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the urgency of restoring rule of law in Hungary, stating she had spoken with Magyar on Tuesday. Meanwhile, EU leaders are pushing for the reversal of Orbán’s €90bn Ukraine aid veto, which was imposed weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, noting Hungary was one of three nations that opted out of the loan last December.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged rapid release of the aid, calling it critical for Ukraine’s stability. Merz previously met Magyar in Munich and expects the new leader to prioritize Germany as a key foreign partner in the coming months.