In a significant show of support, Europe's far-right leaders gathered in Budapest on Monday to rally behind Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, just weeks before a crucial election that could reshape the continent's political landscape. The event, dubbed the Patriots' Grand Assembly, featured prominent figures including France's Marine Le Pen, the Netherlands' Geert Wilders, Italy's Matteo Salvini, and Belgium's Tom Van Grieken, all united in their praise for Orbán's leadership.
Praise from Key European Figures
Marine Le Pen, parliamentary leader of France's National Rally and a frontrunner for the 2027 presidential election, hailed Orbán as "an exceptional leader" during her speech. She emphasized Hungary's role as a symbol of resistance against oppression in Europe, crediting Orbán's "intelligence, courage and vision" for this status. Le Pen's comments come as she faces a graft case appeal, but her influence remains strong among EU-sceptic circles.
Wilders' Lion Metaphor
Geert Wilders, head of the Dutch Freedom Party, offered a vivid metaphor, describing Orbán as "a lion on a continent led by sheep." He praised the Hungarian prime minister for standing tall and prioritizing his own people over "distant elite and unelected Brussels bureaucrats." Wilders, whose party lost in last year's Dutch elections, highlighted Hungary's transformation under Orbán's 16-year rule, suggesting it has become "something extraordinary" that Brussels seeks to undermine.
Orbán's Campaign and EU Tensions
Viktor Orbán is running a populist campaign, positioning himself as the guardian of Hungary's security and tranquillity, while painting his rival, Péter Magyar, as an agent of Brussels and Kyiv. This narrative plays into Orbán's long-standing conflicts with the European Union over issues such as the rule of law, his friendly ties with Moscow, refusal to arm Ukraine, and opposition to Kyiv's EU membership. Polls indicate that Magyar's centre-right Tisza party could outscore Orbán's Fidesz by 9 to 11 percentage points in the parliamentary election on 12 April, making it a pivotal vote for Europe.
International Support and Endorsements
The Budapest gathering followed a weekend national-conservative Cpac Hungary conference, attended by figures like Santiago Abascal of Spain's Vox, André Ventura of Portugal's Chega, and Mateusz Morawiecki of Poland's Law and Justice party. Matteo Salvini, Italy's deputy prime minister, led chants of "Viktor, Viktor, Viktor!" and urged voters to preserve Hungary's self-determination, Christian identity, and secure borders. In a notable endorsement, former US President Donald Trump praised Orbán in a video message, calling him a "fantastic guy" and a strong leader who defends borders, culture, and sovereignty.
Election Implications and Broader Context
This rally underscores the growing alliance among Europe's far-right movements, as they seek to bolster Orbán ahead of an election that could end his lengthy tenure. With Trump's backing and widespread support from nationalist leaders, Orbán's campaign emphasizes sovereignty and resistance to EU influence. However, the polls suggest a tight race, with Magyar gaining traction. The outcome on 12 April will not only determine Hungary's future but also signal the strength of far-right populism across the continent, impacting EU policies on migration, defence, and integration.
