Report: Russia backs media campaign to boost Orbán

According to sources cited by the Financial Times, the Russian leadership is supporting a media campaign aimed at strengthening Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s position ahead of Hungary’s April elections. The plan was reportedly prepared by Social Design Agency, a consulting firm linked to the Kremlin and sanctioned by Western countries.

The strategy reportedly involves the mass distribution of posts, memes and videos on social media designed to promote a favourable image of Orbán while discrediting his main rival.

The materials portray Orbán as a ‘strong leader with global contacts’, while opposition politician Péter Magyar is presented as dependent on Brussels. To reduce the negative impact of overt Russian involvement, the content is intended to be published mainly by Hungarian public figures and influencers, often through intermediaries.

The reported activities come at a time of deteriorating relations between Budapest and Kyiv. Orbán has blocked a major EU financial package for Ukraine while intensifying his criticism of the Ukrainian leadership.

Both the Russian ambassador and the Hungarian government have rejected accusations of interference in the election campaign.

(pir)