Global Far-Right Leaders Rally Behind Viktor Orbán as Hungarian Elections Loom

In a striking show of solidarity, prominent far-right leaders from around the world have come together to endorse Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of the elections on April 12, 2025. The endorsement comes at a critical time as Orbán, who has held power for over a decade, faces increasing scrutiny and potential challenges from within his party and the opposition. The video campaign released this week features support from various international figures including Santiago Abascal of Spain, Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini from Italy, Marine Le Pen of France, and German politician Alice Weidel. Also appearing are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Argentinian President Javier Milei, among others, highlighting the global nature of this far-right coalition. Weidel emphasized the importance of Orbán to Europe, stating, "Europe needs Viktor Orbán," while Le Pen praised him as a champion of national sovereignty and anti-liberalism. Meloni echoed similar sentiments, identifying common values and asserting that Hungary would once again choose the path of pride and prosperity. This display of unity among right-wing leaders comes amid mounting protests and calls for Orbán's resignation in Hungary due to alleged abuses in child care systems. Orbán's government has been criticized for suppressing democratic freedoms, limiting media independence, and implementing stringent measures against LGBTQ+ events. These factors have fueled a difficult economic landscape characterized by rising living costs and social service deterioration. Polls indicate that Orbán's party, Fidesz, is now trailing behind the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, a former member of his own party. Magyar's campaign focuses on domestic concerns, promising to combat corruption and unlock millions of euros in frozen EU funds to revitalize the Hungarian economy. This domestic focus is seen as a direct challenge to Orbán's narrative that emphasizes his international connections and experience amid global turmoil. Political analyst Márton Bene notes that the election's outcome will depend on whether voters prioritize international alliances or the government's domestic performance. The Fidesz campaign has attempted to frame Orbán's connections as an asset, especially during a time of geopolitical volatility, with Orbán being dubbed as the EU's closest ally to Vladimir Putin—a point underscored by a series of references to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the campaign video. As leaders in the video praise Orbán's commitment to peace in Ukraine, it becomes evident that his administration navigates a complex political landscape, wrestling with both domestic dissent and international scrutiny. Netanyahu's remarks about security highlight this aspect, albeit ironically given Israel's official boycott of some of the groups represented in the video due to their extremist roots. While no American leaders are featured in the video, former President Donald Trump recently expressed his support for Orbán, lauding his commitment to faith and family values. Bene contends that Orbán's potential electoral loss would symbolize a significant shift against the global rise of illiberal populism. Such a development would challenge the narrative of a unified, successful far-right trend across nations, illustrating that the fall of one of its key figures could have far-reaching implications for the movement's credibility. As the elections draw closer, the stakes are high—not just for Hungary, but for similar movements worldwide that see Orbán as a pivotal figure in their ideological battles. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2