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

JD Vance Defends Support for Viktor Orbán Despite Opposition Victory

Following Tisza’s decisive win in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, US Vice-President JD Vance defended his recent two-day campaign trip to endorse Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom he described as a “great individual” with “excellent leadership.” Vance, speaking to Fox News, highlighted Orbán’s willingness to challenge European bureaucratic norms, calling him one of the few leaders in Europe who “stood firm against the Brussels bureaucracy.” While expressing disappointment over Orbán’s loss, Vance assured that the United States would “maintain strong cooperation” with the new administration.

New Government’s Transition and Priorities

With Orbán serving as a caretaker leader until the new government is formally sworn in, Péter Magyar, Tisza’s leader, has outlined his agenda for the upcoming months. Magyar, who secured a “supermajority” of 137 seats in the 199-member parliament, emphasized his commitment to addressing corruption and restoring EU compliance. He plans to convene the National Assembly by 12 May and propose the next prime minister, though he has urged President Tamás Sulyok to act swiftly and relinquish his position, calling him a “puppet” of Orbán’s regime.

“No foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections,” Magyar had previously warned. However, he later acknowledged the US’s significance as a NATO ally, stating that he would engage with them if President Donald Trump or others reached out.

Magyar also announced intentions to appear on public radio and TV on Wednesday, a move he framed as a necessary step to ensure impartial media coverage. He had initially declined the invitation but now pledged to implement measures guaranteeing unbiased reporting, drawing parallels to the BBC and other public broadcasters. His team aims to establish a regulatory board to oversee state media independence.

EU Funding and Anti-Corruption Measures

Magyar has pledged to address Hungary’s economic and political challenges, including the creation of an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency. He also plans to initiate the process of joining the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office. His government will focus on unlocking frozen EU funds, with an estimated €17bn (£14.8bn) suspended and an additional €16bn pending approval for defense loans.

“Hungary has been stripped of its sovereignty, with billions lost through corrupt contracts,” Magyar stated, criticizing Orbán’s era of cronyism and judicial undermining. He argued that Orbán’s system allowed state contracts to be awarded to favored individuals, eroding the rule of law.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Magyar’s efforts, saying she had discussed the need to “restore the rule of law and realign with our shared European values.” Meanwhile, EU leaders are pushing Hungary to reverse a veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, which Orbán had imposed in the weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as outdated, noting that Hungary was among three nations that opted out of the loan last December.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has emphasized the urgency of releasing the aid to Kyiv, stating it should be “delivered swiftly” with the new administration in place. Merz previously met with Magyar in Munich, and the incoming leader plans to visit Berlin as one of his first foreign engagements.