US vice-president warns of EU ‘interference’ in Hungary

In his own words, US vice-president JD Vance condemned what he described as the European Union’s shameful interference in Hungary’s elections. He expressed support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Donald Trump.

He flew to Budapest for a visit just days before the elections, which polls indicate Orbán is likely to lose.

Vance described the situation as one of the worst examples of foreign interference in an election he had ever seen. He said bureaucrats in Brussels were trying to damage Hungary’s economy, undermine the country’s energy independence and raise costs for consumers.

At the same time, he said other European states should take inspiration from Orban’s energy policy. However, it is not clear whether he was referring to the import of Russian energy, which Orban considers essential.

The prime minister, who is facing a tough electoral challenge, has spoken of a ‘golden age’ in relations with the US. ‘I’m here for moral cooperation between our countries because what the United States and Hungary, under the leadership of Viktor and President Trump, represent is the defence of Western civilisation,’ Vance said.

Opposition leader Peter Magyar also warned against foreign interference in the elections following the US politician’s visit.

(reuters, bak)