In his first remarks after Hungary’s election, Donald Trump praised Viktor Orbán’s hardline immigration policy, saying he ‘didn’t let people come in and ruin his country,’ while signalling openness to Hungary’s incoming leadership. Moscow struck a similar tone, welcoming Péter Magyar’s readiness for ‘pragmatic dialogue’, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Orbán was ‘never our friend.’
During his international press conference, Hungary’s prime minister-elect Péter Magyar outlined a foreign policy strategy that partly echoes Viktor Orbán’s positions on migration and Russian energy, while pledging closer ties with the EU, a reset in relations with Ukraine, and anti-corruption reforms.
Just hours after Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat, Ursula von der Leyen urged the EU to scrap the national veto in foreign policy decision-making, advocating a shift to qualified majority voting. The move targets what she described as ‘systemic blockages’ on sanctions and funding for Ukraine.
US Vice President JD Vance said Washington will work with Hungary’s next prime minister following the election, while expressing regret over Viktor Orbán’s defeat and praising his legacy as transformative.
Viktor Orbán has vowed to reorganize Fidesz and visit every constituency in the country after Sunday’s electoral defeat, which resulted in a supermajority victory for the opposition Tisza Party. In a post on X, the outgoing prime minister said that the ‘national side’ can continue to rely on his party.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán urged unity, peace and strong voter turnout at a campaign-closing rally, framing the election as a decisive choice about Hungary’s future, security and sovereignty.
Donald Trump has pledged that the United States stands ready to support Hungary’s economy with its ‘full economic might’ if needed, two days ahead of the country’s most important election in recent history. The statement has revived discussions about a potential currency swap agreement, first floated in November 2025, aimed primarily at shielding the Hungarian economy from external pressure.
American conservative author Rod Dreher has accused an Italian journalist of misrepresenting his views on Hungary in a recent interview published ahead of the election. He rejected claims that he plans to leave the country due to dissatisfaction, calling the portrayal ‘spin’ and reaffirming his overall support for the Hungarian model, while acknowledging certain shortcomings.
Ukrainian political scientist Yevhen Magda has suggested that Viktor Orbán could still secure an upset victory in Hungary’s upcoming election, despite unfavourable polling in some surveys. Pointing to backing from three of the world’s most influential power centres, Magda argued that Orbán’s campaign is ‘on schedule’.
What is at stake in the Hungarian elections? Which Hungarian policies are noteworthy—and perhaps worth adopting in the West? How does Australia relate to the Iranian and Ukrainian wars, and the challenge posed by China? We spoke with the former Prime Minister of Australia about the significance of the Hungarian elections, the dangers of a changing world order, and the role of conservatism.
At a time when public debate is increasingly polarized and superficial, Hungarian Conservative remains committed to depth and independent thought.
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