JD Vance defends backing ‘great guy’ Orbán’s campaign after landslide defeat

JD Vance Defends Support for Orbán Amid Tisza’s Victory

US Vice-President JD Vance has maintained that his decision to conduct a two-day campaign trip in favor of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was justified, following Tisza’s decisive win in the election. Despite Orbán’s loss, Vance praised him as a “great guy” who executed his duties “very well,” emphasizing Orbán’s role in resisting the bureaucratic pressures of Brussels. He noted that Orbán stood out among European leaders for his willingness to confront EU institutions, though Vance admitted disappointment at Orbán’s defeat.

Péter Magyar, leader of Tisza, had previously criticized Vance’s involvement, asserting that “no foreign country may interfere in Hungarian elections.” However, he later acknowledged the US’s significance as a NATO ally, stating that if Trump or others reached out, he would engage. Magyar’s party is set to assume power, with Orbán retaining a caretaker position until his formal inauguration. The three parliamentary leaders will meet President Tamás Sulyok on Wednesday, who will oversee the new parliament’s formation and recommend the next prime minister by May 12.

Magyar’s Plans for State Media and Governance

Magyar has outlined a series of initiatives for his incoming government, including establishing an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office. He also plans to initiate Hungary’s accession to the EU’s European Public Prosecutor’s Office. In a notable move, Magyar will appear on public radio and TV on Wednesday, a platform he previously lacked access to during his opposition tenure. After winning the election, he was invited to the media, but initially declined, vowing to ensure unbiased coverage until state outlets guarantee impartiality.

“We will create a board to secure independence for public media, similar to the BBC’s model,” Magyar stated.

The new administration aims to unlock frozen EU funds, with €17bn suspended and €16bn more awaiting approval for defense loans. Magyar criticized Orbán’s era for enabling widespread corruption and cronyism, where public contracts favored insiders and judicial independence was undermined. He described Hungary as the EU’s most corrupt member and pledged to address these issues through systemic reforms.

EU Aid Veto and International Relations

EU leaders are pushing for Hungary to reverse Orbán’s veto on €90bn in Ukraine aid, which was imposed weeks before the election. Magyar dismissed the veto as irrelevant, pointing out Hungary was one of three nations that opted out of the loan last December. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged the swift release of the funds, noting that the change in government presents an opportunity for action. Merz, who met Magyar in Munich earlier this year, anticipates Berlin as the first foreign destination for the new leader’s diplomatic efforts.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the urgency of restoring rule of law and aligning with shared European values, expressing confidence in Magyar’s ability to achieve these goals. As the country transitions, Sulyok remains steadfast in his role, though he will discuss the timing of parliament’s convening and the prime minister’s selection with the three party leaders.