Vance heads to Hungary to back Orban before elections

US Vice President JD Vance is heading to Hungary, where he is expected to publicly endorse Prime Minister Viktor Orban shortly before the parliamentary elections. The move is unusual and, according to analysts, signals an effort by Donald Trump’s administration to strengthen allies with similar political leanings in Europe.

Orban is facing one of his toughest electoral challenges since 2010, with his Fidesz party trailing the opposition led by Peter Magyar in the polls.

Vance is due to meet Orban and address an election rally. The talks are expected to cover US-Hungarian relations as well as broader issues concerning Europe and the war in Ukraine.

However, analysts warn that foreign support is unlikely to be decisive, as voters are more influenced by domestic issues, especially the rising cost of living.

(reuters, pir)