Viktor Orbán Returns to Poland for Strategic Talks with Jarosław Kaczyński

Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is set to arrive in Poland this Saturday for a significant meeting with Law and Justice (PiS) leader Jarosław Kaczyński to discuss the future of the European right.

Orbán’s Political Resurgence

Viktor Orbán is visiting Poland following a major shift in his political career. After sixteen years in power, he suffered a decisive defeat in the April 2026 parliamentary elections against the Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar.

Despite the electoral loss, which saw Fidesz secure only 52 seats compared to Tisza’s 141, Orbán remains the party chairman. He is currently focused on rebuilding his influence and developing a new strategy from the opposition benches.

Aligning with Jarosław Kaczyński

The meeting with Jarosław Kaczyński serves as a critical move for Orbán. While the two parties long shared a vision of national sovereignty and skepticism toward EU integration, their relationship was strained by differing stances on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

PiS has maintained a firm position on military support for Kyiv, whereas the Hungarian government preserved ties with Moscow. However, the current political landscape and the necessity to redefine the European right have brought the two leaders back to the table.

International Strategy After Electoral Defeat

Orbán has been actively working to maintain his international network, recently appearing at a “Patriots for Europe” gathering in Brussels. This group of national-conservative parties serves as a platform for him to exert influence despite no longer holding government office.

The discussions with Kaczyński are expected to address both bilateral party cooperation and the broader direction of right-wing politics in Europe following the seismic political changes in Hungary.

Shifting Contexts on Ukraine

The political environment surrounding both PiS and Fidesz has evolved. While PiS remains a critic of Vladimir Putin, its domestic focus has expanded to include complex trade and historical disputes regarding Ukraine’s potential EU membership.

This shifting debate creates a new backdrop for the dialogue between the two sides. For Orbán, the visit is a tactical step in his comeback efforts, demonstrating that he remains a central figure in European right-wing politics.