JD Vance defends backing ‘great guy’ Orbán’s campaign after landslide defeat
JD Vance Backs Orbán Despite Defeat
US Vice President JD Vance has defended his decision to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a campaign trip just days before the opposition party Tisza’s decisive win. In an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that Orbán was a “great guy” and had “done a very good job,” highlighting his willingness to challenge Brussels’ bureaucratic norms. While expressing disappointment over Orbán’s loss, Vance remained confident in the U.S.-Hungary relationship, stating the country would “work very well” under the new leadership.
Magyar’s Response to Foreign Influence
Péter Magyar, the leader of Tisza, 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, indicating openness to dialogue if President Donald Trump or others reached out. Magyar’s victory marks a significant shift in Hungary’s political landscape, with his party securing a super majority of 137 seats in preliminary results.
Magyar has outlined several initiatives for his administration, including the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office. He also plans to initiate the process of joining the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office, aiming to address systemic issues under Orbán’s rule. The new government will have the power to amend the constitution and reverse previous reforms, a move Magyar hopes will restore Hungary’s alignment with European values.
EU Funding and Political Reforms
Magyar has pledged to unlock billions of euros in suspended EU funds, which were frozen due to concerns over rule of law and democratic backsliding. An estimated €17 billion has been withheld, with an additional €16 billion pending approval for defense loans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted her conversation with Magyar on Tuesday, calling for “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 rescind a veto on €90 billion in Ukraine aid, imposed by Orbán in the weeks prior to the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as insignificant, pointing out that Hungary was one of three nations that opted out of the loan in December. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed the need for rapid aid release, following a meeting with Magyar in Munich earlier this year. Magyar plans to visit Berlin soon, making it a top foreign priority for his government.
State Media and Institutional Changes
Magyar has also announced plans to reform state media, vowing to suspend all public TV and radio coverage until unbiased reporting is ensured. He suggested establishing a board to safeguard media independence, mirroring the BBC’s model. This comes after he was initially denied access to public broadcasts, a situation he described as a “robbing bare” of Hungary’s democratic processes. Magyar criticized the system that allowed billions in state contracts to flow to favored individuals, undermining judicial independence and creating widespread corruption.
Until Magyar takes office, President Tamás Sulyok will serve as Hungary’s interim leader, tasked with convening the new parliament and recommending the next prime minister by 12 May. Magyar has urged Sulyok to act swiftly, even labeling him a “puppet” of Orbán’s administration. The three parliamentary leaders from Magyar’s party are set to meet Sulyok on Wednesday to discuss the transition and the future direction of Hungary’s governance.
