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

JD Vance Supports Orbán Despite Loss

JD Vance, the U.S. vice-president, defended his decision to visit Hungary for a two-day campaign rally in support of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán just five days before the opposition party Tisza secured a decisive victory. Vance praised Orbán as a “great guy” who had delivered “very good results,” emphasizing his defiance against bureaucratic pressures from Brussels. He acknowledged Orbán’s defeat but expressed confidence that the United States would maintain strong ties with the new administration.

Magyar’s Victory and Remarks

Péter Magyar, the leader of Tisza, criticized Vance’s involvement in the campaign, stating that “no foreign country should interfere in Hungarian elections.” However, he later conceded that the U.S. remains a vital NATO ally, and he would engage with officials if contacted by Trump or others. Magyar’s party, Tisza, has claimed a “super majority” of 137 parliamentary seats, with preliminary results suggesting they could further increase their lead.

“no foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections”

Sulyok’s Role in Transition

President Tamás Sulyok will serve as Hungary’s interim leader until Magyar’s inauguration, overseeing the assembly of the new parliament and recommending the next prime minister by 12 May. Magyar has urged Sulyok to resign swiftly, calling him a “puppet” of Orbán’s regime, though Sulyok’s office insists he will not step down. The three parliamentary leaders will meet Sulyok on Wednesday to discuss the timing of the National Assembly’s convening and the selection of a new government.

Magyar’s Policy Priorities

Magyar outlined immediate goals for his administration, including establishing an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency. He also plans to initiate Hungary’s accession to the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Orbán’s previous government was known for its cronyism, funneling public contracts to allies while undermining judicial independence. Magyar accused the regime of siphoning billions through state contracts and enabling widespread corruption.

EU Funding and Ukraine Aid

The incoming leader highlighted efforts to unlock €17bn in suspended EU funds and €16bn in defense loans, which were halted due to concerns over rule of law and democratic backsliding. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Magyar’s commitment to restoring European values, stating there is “swift work to be done to… restore the rule of law [and] realign with our shared European values.” Meanwhile, EU leaders are pushing for Hungary to lift its veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, which Orbán had imposed before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as outdated, noting Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan in December.

Magyar also announced his intention to appear on public radio and TV on Wednesday, a move he described as unexpected. After being invited Monday morning following his electoral triumph, he initially refused but pledged to ensure unbiased media coverage moving forward. He proposed creating a board to enforce independence in state broadcasting, drawing parallels to the BBC and other public media institutions.

International Engagement

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany underscored the need for Hungary to expedite Ukraine aid releases, stating the funds should be “very quickly” delivered with the new government in place. Merz had previously met with Magyar in Munich and plans to prioritize Germany as a foreign destination during his tenure.