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Marco Rubio has praised Viktor Orbán’s leadership as “essential” to US interests, saying Donald Trump is “deeply committed” to the Hungarian premier’s success ahead of critical parliamentary elections.
The US secretary of state hailed a “golden era of relations” between the US and Hungary as he stood beside Orbán, the EU’s most pro-Russian leader and an avowed follower of Trump’s Maga outlook.
Orbán faces a tight race to retain power in the April vote, with some polls putting the opposition Tisza Party led by Péter Magyar ahead of the ruling Fidesz party by about 10 points.
“I can say to you with confidence that President Trump is deeply committed to your success,” Rubio told Orbán after meeting him in Budapest.
“We are entering this golden era of relations between our countries . . . because of the relationship that you have with the president of the US.”
Rubio chose to visit Hungary and Slovakia, two of the EU’s most illiberal governments, after attending the Munich Security Conference.
“Your success is our success,” Rubio told Orbán. “This relationship we have here in central Europe through you is so essential and vital for our national interests in the years to come,” he added.
Orbán, the EU’s most eurosceptic leader, has for years blocked or watered down Brussels’ efforts to impose sanctions on Russia for its war against Ukraine, or stymied efforts to increase support to Kyiv. He has been gushing in his praise for Trump and the Maga movement that has regularly painted Europe as an ideological enemy.
While stressing that it is up to Hungarian voters to decide their government, Rubio said Trump was there to support Orbán.
“If you face things that threaten the stability of your country, I know that President Trump would be very interested because of your relationship with him and because of the importance of this country to us,” Rubio said.
Hailing agreements signed with Rubio on oil, gas and nuclear energy, Orbán said that “a new golden age has set upon us concerning the relationship between the US and Hungary. My heartfelt thanks go to President Trump.
“Investments are at a record, we have restored visa liberalisation, and we are founding members of the peace board, for whose inaugural session I am going to Washington on Thursday,” Orbán added, referring to the Trump-governed Board of Peace.
European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho said of Rubio’s remarks: “It’s up to the US government to decide whom they wish to support and why.
“As you are well aware, we here in Europe have a different approach. It is not our habit to support — or not [support] — specific candidates in the midst of an electoral campaign,” she told reporters.
Rubio’s praise comes a week after Trump endorsed Orbán ahead of the election, writing: “I proudly supported Viktor in the 2022 elections, and it is an honor to do so again.”
Trump has condemned non-American politicians for alleged interference in US elections.
Additional reporting by Laura Dubois in Brussels