Orbán praises Trump and attack on Maduro, expects market benefits

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, at his annual press conference, describes the US military intervention in Venezuela as potentially beneficial for global energy markets.

He stressed that the US and Venezuela together could control up to 50 percent of the world's oil reserves, which he said could lower energy prices for Hungary as well.

The intervention included the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his transfer to New York, where he faces drug crime charges.

Orbán also recalled that Budapest is taking steps to diversify its energy sources - in December it signed a contract with Chevron for LNG supplies.

In other remarks, he denied that he was interested in strengthening his presidential powers, responding to speculation about his possible transfer to the presidency.

He also said that there was currently no reason for Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Budapest as no bilateral talks were taking place.

(reuters, pir)