Former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at a Budapest conference, criticizing the European Union’s policies.
Trump Expresses Full Support for Orbán
Donald Trump stated he offers his “best wishes” to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whom he fully supports. He described Orbán as a “strong leader” defending Hungary’s borders, culture, heritage, sovereignty, and values.
Trump also thanked Hungarian organizers of the CPAC event for their commitment to “common sense and conservative principles” and the shared civilization of Americans, Hungarians, and Europeans, stating their countries are “pointing the way to a revitalized West.”
Orbán Declares Victory and Challenges Brussels
Viktor Orbán asserted he will win the April elections and continue to fight for national control over Europe’s future, arguing decisions should be made by European nations, not bureaucrats. He claimed victory would “dismantle the progressive gates of Brussels.”
Hungary’s Economic Challenges and Conservative Bastion
Reports indicate Hungary faces economic difficulties, characterized by an oligarchic model, discouraging investment, and hindering young businesses, resulting in it becoming an economic laggard in the region despite its potential.
Confrontation with Brussels and Eastern Pressures
Orbán stated Hungary is pressured by “progressive forces” from Brussels with sanctions and by Ukraine with oil blockade. He positioned Hungary as the “strongest bastion of national conservative forces” within the EU for 16 years, warning that its defeat would be a major win for progressives.
Orbán: Brussels Responsible for European Failure
Orbán argued the current battle extends beyond Hungary to the future of Brussels, criticizing the EU for leading Europe to its “greatest economic failure” and prioritizing Ukraine over Europe. He believes the West is undergoing its largest political reorganization in a century, with Hungary as a “foothold in Europe.”
Rightward Shift in Latin America
Orbán highlighted right-wing shifts in Latin America, mentioning Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia, José Antonio Kast in Chile, and Javier Milei in Argentina, calling Milei a “global rock star of Western values.”
CPAC’s Growing Conservative Influence
CPAC, a long-standing conservative conference in the U.S., has become increasingly aligned with Trump’s supporters. The event has expanded internationally, including five iterations in Budapest, with attendees including former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and other European leaders.
Russian Influence Concerns at OBWE Mission
Daria Bojarska, previously sanctioned by Poland, now leads an OSCE observation mission in Hungary. Russian delegates within the organization are suspected of espionage for the Kremlin.
