The upcoming parliamentary elections in Hungary, scheduled for April 12th, are going beyond the framework of national politics and are increasingly emerging as a symbolic turning point for the global far-right and populist movement. In this context, leaders of the right and far right from Europe and around the world have publicly lined up behind Prime Minister Viktor Orban, even though, according to current polls, he is facing a serious drop in support and the possibility of an electoral defeat.
This week’s pre-election video released by Orban on social media brings together nearly a dozen prominent right-wing politicians, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, her coalition partner Matteo Salvini, leader of the French far right Marine Le Pen, and Alice Weidel, one of the leaders of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD).
“Europe needs Viktor Orban,” Weidel says in the video, openly presenting the Hungarian prime minister as a key figure in the fight against liberal and pro-European policies within the European Union (EU).
Marine Le Pen further underlines the ideological connection, praising Orban as one of the leaders who, in her words, head the “camp of patriots and defenders of sovereign nations.” Ironically, Orban himself previously described Hungary as a “petri dish of illiberalism,” a phrase that has become one of the most frequently cited definitions of his political vision.
Orban and Meloni: an alliance based on sovereignty and identity
In her video message, Giorgia Meloni emphasizes the ideological similarities between her government and Orban’s administration, highlighting their shared advocacy for a Europe of nation-states, cultural identity, and, as she says, Christian values.
“Together we stand for a Europe that respects national sovereignty and is proud of its cultural and religious roots,” Meloni said, confirming the increasingly open rapprochement among various right-wing movements across the continent.
Authoritarian record and growing domestic resistance
Support from the international right comes after a turbulent year for Orban’s government. His administration has faced strong criticism for attempts to ban Pride events, further suppress independent media and non-governmental organizations, as well as for the long-standing erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
At the same time, Orban is facing the most serious political challenge of the past decade. His opponent, Peter Magyar, a former high-ranking official of the ruling Fidesz party, leads the opposition Tisza party and, according to polls, enjoys growing voter support.
Economic problems, stagnation, rising living costs, and increasingly weak public services are further burdening the ruling structure, which is also reflected in a decline in Fidesz’s ratings.
International standing as a campaign asset
In such circumstances, Fidesz is trying to highlight Orban’s international connections as key political capital. According to Marton Bene, a political analyst at the Institute for Political Science TK in Budapest, the authorities are attempting to portray Orban as an experienced statesman with global influence, in contrast to his opponent, who is presented as a political newcomer.
“Orban’s international contacts are being used as proof of stability and the ability to lead Hungary through global crises,” Bene notes.
By contrast, Peter Magyar’s campaign is focused almost exclusively on domestic issues – the fight against corruption, strengthening institutions, and unblocking billions of euros in frozen European funds.
Ukraine, Russia, and the narrative of “peace”
The video also contains messages about the war in Ukraine, an issue that has further isolated Hungary within the EU. Orban, known as the European leader closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly blocked joint EU decisions on aid to Ukraine, leading critics to label him “Putin’s Trojan horse in Brussels.”
In the recording, Alice Weidel claims that Orban is “fighting for peace in Ukraine,” while Matteo Salvini says: “If you want peace, vote for Fidesz.”
A broad but controversial alliance
Among the leaders appearing in the video are also Herbert Kickl of Austria’s Freedom Party (FPO), former Czech prime minister Andrej Babis, as well as the presidents of Serbia and Argentina – Aleksandar Vucic and Javier Milei.
Particular attention was drawn by the appearance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the fact that Israel officially boycotts AfD and FPO because of their antisemitic roots.
Although there are no United States (U.S.) officials in the video, Orban recently published a letter from Donald Trump in which the former U.S. president wished him luck in the elections and praised his commitment to “faith, family, and sovereignty.”
Elections with global significance
According to analysts, the outcome of the elections in Hungary will have far-reaching symbolic consequences. Marton Bene points out that a potential fall of Orban’s regime would represent a serious blow to the global illiberal-populist movement.
“Orban’s Hungary was one of the first and most stable models of this political wave. His defeat would call into question the narrative of the inevitable and uniform rise of the far right around the world,” Bene concludes.
For many, April 12th will not be just election day in Hungary, but a test of the strength and sustainability of a political project that has shaped the European and global right for years.
