US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Expresses Support for Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán Ahead of Elections
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed strong support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during a recent visit to Budapest, as revealed in various reports from international media outlets. This endorsement comes prior to the Hungarian elections scheduled for April, where Orbán is facing a significant challenge from his opposition.
Background and Context
Rubio's visit to Hungary is seen as part of a wider tour of US allies in Eastern Europe, including Slovakia, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic ties. These visits, as reported by Deutsche Welle, also aim to reduce these countries' reliance on Russia for energy, in favor of US alternatives.
Orbán, a nationalist leader, has been praised by President Donald Trump, and the two share a warm relationship. This has, according to Rubio, led to a golden era
of relations between the US and Hungary. Rubio's visit also coincides with ongoing tensions between Hungary and other entities, such as the EU and Ukraine, as reported by RT and TASS.
Rubio's Remarks and the Nuclear Deal
During his visit, Rubio signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the US and Hungary, as reported by Fox News. He emphasized the close relationship between the two countries, saying, Your success is our success.
Moreover, Rubio stated that Trump is deeply committed
to Orbán's success and that the US is prepared to provide support should Hungary face financial difficulties. This information was corroborated by reports from the New York Times, Japan Times, and Le Monde.
Orbán's Position and Criticisms
Orbán has been a contentious figure at the European stage. He has accused Brussels of threatening Hungary's sovereignty, as reported by RT, and has refused to give up Hungary's EU veto rights, despite pressure from Brussels, as reported by TASS.
Furthermore, Orbán has claimed that Ukraine is financing the Hungarian opposition and accused the EU and Ukraine of declaring war on Hungary. He has been identified as a key obstacle to EU's plan to offer Ukraine membership, as reported by Politico via RT.
Implications and Reactions
The Guardian reported that the EU's foreign policy chief has denied claims by the US of civilisational erasure
and euro-bashing
, highlighting the need for US involvement in resolving the war in Ukraine.
The Times of Israel noted that Rubio's meetings with populist leaders in Hungary and Slovakia follow his call for Europeans to align with Trump's immigration agenda. However, it's still uncertain how these developments will impact the upcoming elections in Hungary.
Conclusion
As Hungary heads towards its elections on April 12, the stakes are high for the incumbent Orbán. With backing from the Trump administration and contested relationships with the EU and Ukraine, the election outcome could significantly shape Hungary's future relationships and position on the international stage.