Vance Expresses Support for Orban and Criticizes Brussels Ahead of Hungarian Elections

U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance, during his two-day visit to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, voiced his support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban and delivered a scathing critique of Brussels' bureaucratic intervention. This visit comes as Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12, which could be pivotal for Orban, who has been in power for 16 years.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Orban, Vance remarked that "the scale of intervention by Brussels' bureaucracy has been truly disgraceful." However, he failed to provide any specific evidence or examples to substantiate his claims, which raised questions among journalists and analysts present at the event.

Vance emphasized that he does not intend to dictate how Hungarians should vote and urged Brussels officials to adopt a similar stance. "I will not tell Hungarians how to vote. I call on Brussels bureaucrats to do the same," he stated, underscoring the importance of electoral independence.

Moreover, Vance described Viktor Orban as a model of leadership for Europe. "I urge Hungarians to ask themselves not about who is pro- or anti-European, who is pro- or anti-American, but who is pro-you, who is pro-the people of Hungary. From my own experience, I have seen a person who fiercely defends the interests of Hungary. I am here to help him in this election campaign," Vance added, reiterating his support for Orban in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

It is important to note that the parliamentary elections in Hungary are set for April 12, and they could be decisive for Orban, who has faced criticism from international organizations for some of his government's decisions deemed authoritarian. This period has been characterized by both stability and scrutiny.

Vance's visit to Hungary occurs against a backdrop of increasing tension between Brussels and Orban's government, which has repeatedly been criticized for its policies that contradict European values. Meanwhile, support from the United States, especially from a high-ranking official like the Vice President, could significantly influence electoral sentiments in the country.

Earlier, Ukrinform reported on Vance's arrival in Budapest, where he plans to actively support Orban in his election campaign. This visit is sure to attract attention from both local and international media, as it highlights the significance of the Hungarian elections not only for Hungary itself but also for the broader European context.

Photo: Magyarország Kormánya

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