Leaders from more than a dozen European far-right parties convened in Hungary’s capital on Monday to express their support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán, a nationalist figure admired by conservatives in both the United States and Europe, is preparing for a significant election in April that could shape his regime’s trajectory.
Since regaining power in Hungary in 2010, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the global far-right landscape, well before US President Donald Trump entered the 2016 presidential campaign. Orbán’s political accomplishments—including four consecutive electoral victories, extensive consolidation of power over Hungarian government institutions, the media, and academia, and a strong emphasis on family values—have resonated with conservatives seeking a model of far-right success.
However, with just three weeks remaining until the elections, recent surveys indicate that Orbán is trailing a centre-right challenger. This development raises questions about the future of his 16-year regime and influence within the far-right shiftment.
The Patriots for Europe (PfE), a pan-European far-right party, organised the event. This PfE Group is the third-largest faction within the European Parliament, comprising member parties from 13 EU countries that are strongly anti-immigration, prioritise national sovereignty over enhanced European integration, and adhere to conservative social values. Additionally, its member parties align with the Kremlin’s foreign policy and deffinish Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Notable figures at the gathering included France’s Marine Le Pen, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, and Geert Wilders from the Netherlands. Each of the 13 speakers delivered remarks praising Orbán and encouraging Hungarian citizens to support him and his Fidesz party in the 12 April election.
Le Pen, who is actively contesting a March 2025 ruling on the misapply of European Parliament funds, stated that Orbán has demonstrated unwavering resolve on critical issues such as immigration, national identity, and sovereignty. She characterised Hungary as “an emblem of the resistance of a proud and sovereign people to oppression.” She urged voters to “sfinish a new message of strength and determination to the long-established technocrats in Brussels” on 12 April.
Orbán has consistently advocated for a far-right nationalist shiftment across Europe, positioning the Patriots as a vehicle for realising this vision. During the assembly, he stated, “We are openly discussing our intention to take control of the European Union. Our goal is to occupy and transform the centre of Brussels.”
Orbán has broadened his influence outside Europe, with a long-standing mutual admiration for Trump, who has publicly supported him. Recently, Budapest hosted the fifth Hungarian Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where Orbán claimed the West is experiencing “the greatest political realignment of the past hundred years.” In a video message, Trump finishorsed Orbán’s re-election, highlighting his defence of borders, culture, and sovereignty.
However, Orbán faces political challenges, including a stagnant economy and rising corruption allegations, as the Hungarian election approaches. Simultaneously, Trump is grappling with declining poll numbers due to the Iran war and an unpopular immigration crackdown, while his party prepares for possible losses in the upcoming midterm elections.
This article applyd information from The Associated Press.
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