American Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a clear political message in favor of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from Budapest on Monday, suggesting that the future of US-Hungary relations – including potential American financial support – depends on the reelection of the Fidesz leader.
The statements were made during a joint press conference, at a time when Hungary is gearing up for the parliamentary elections on April 12, considered the most challenging for Orbán since 2010. Reuters reports that the visit carries strong electoral stakes.
"Golden Age" conditioned by Orbán's continuity
Rubio stated that bilateral relations are entering a "golden age," but implied that this development is closely linked to Orbán staying at the helm of the government.
"President Trump is deeply committed to your success because your success is our success," said Rubio, standing alongside the Hungarian leader. "We want this country to prosper. It is in our national interest, especially as long as you are prime minister and leader of this country," he added.
The American official emphasized that the closer ties between Budapest and Washington are based not only on historical connections but also on the personal relationship between Orbán and President Donald Trump, who is in his second term at the White House.
Stakes of the April 12 elections
The parliamentary elections in Hungary are seen as a major test for Orbán and his party, Fidesz, in power since 2010. The outcome could influence not only Hungary's internal direction but also the political balance in Central and Eastern Europe, at a time when conservative and nationalist movements are on the rise.
Orbán is one of Trump's closest European allies and has frequently clashed with European Union institutions on issues related to the rule of law, migration, and press freedom.
Simultaneously, Budapest has maintained friendly relations with Russia and has taken critical positions towards Ukraine.
Regional tour and tensions with Western Europe
Marco Rubio's visit to Budapest was the second stage of a two-day tour in Slovakia and Hungary, countries led by conservative leaders close to Washington and critical of Brussels. In Slovakia, Rubio met with Prime Minister Robert Fico, who, in turn, has had strained relations with the EU.
Meanwhile, relations between Washington and major Western European capitals, such as Paris and Berlin, are marked by tensions, amidst Trump's criticisms of Europe, imposition of tariffs, and the controversial idea regarding Greenland. At the Munich Security Conference, Rubio attempted to convey a message of unity, but maintained the critical tone of the American administration towards the EU's political direction.
Openness to financial support
One of the most sensitive messages addressed the US's willingness to provide financial support to Hungary if needed. Rubio stated that, in case of economic difficulties, President Trump would be interested in "finding ways to offer assistance".
"If you face financial difficulties, if you encounter obstacles to economic growth, if you face threats to the stability of your country, I know that President Trump will be very interested (...) to find ways to offer assistance if such a moment ever arises," Rubio said.
The statement comes as the Hungarian economy is going through a challenging period: inflation has risen following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and economic growth has stagnated over the past three years. The Orbán government has reduced taxes, increased wages, and promoted subsidized mortgage loans to support consumption, but at the cost of a higher budget deficit and increased inflationary risks.
Criticism from the EU
Both Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico have been criticized by European institutions for allegedly weakening judicial independence, media freedom, and anti-corruption mechanisms, accusations rejected by both leaders.
The message from Budapest indicates that, in the current Washington political landscape, Hungary is viewed as a strategic partner, and the future of bilateral relations seems directly linked to the outcome of the April elections.