US Vice-President JD Vance described Hungary’s Viktor Orbán as a “great guy” who did a “very good job” during a press briefing on Thursday, despite the Hungarian leader’s recent landslide election defeat. The remarks came as Vance signaled openness to working with Péter Magyar, the rising opposition figure who has challenged Orbán’s policies.
Orbán, a longtime ally of conservative factions in the US, suffered a surprising electoral setback earlier this month, ending his 14-year dominance in Hungarian politics. Analysts attribute the loss to growing public dissatisfaction with corruption and economic stagnation. “Vance’s comments reflect a pragmatic approach,” said a European affairs analyst at the Atlantic Council. “He’s acknowledging Orbán’s past cooperation while preparing for a new political reality.”
Hungary has been a contentious topic in US foreign policy, with Orbán frequently clashing with the Biden administration over Ukraine aid and democratic backsliding. Vance’s remarks suggest a potential shift in tone, though officials stress that US strategic interests remain unchanged. A State Department source, speaking anonymously, noted, “We’ll judge the new Hungarian leadership by actions, not just campaign rhetoric.”
Looking ahead, experts say Vance’s outreach to Magyar could test US-Hungary relations, particularly on NATO cohesion and EU sanctions enforcement. Magyar has pledged reforms but remains untested on the international stage.