Russia Aims to Tip Hungary Election Scales for Orban's Reelection
Ahead of Hungary's election, there are signs that Russia is working to secure Viktor Orban's reelection, turning the vote into a referendum on aligning with the EU or Russia.
Russia is ramping up efforts to secure the reelection of Hungarian President Viktor Orban, whose long-standing pro-Russia stance has put him at odds with the European Union. The Kremlin appears to be turning Hungary's upcoming election into a referendum on whether voters want their country to move closer to the EU or Russia.
Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has maintained close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin despite Hungary's membership in the EU and NATO. This has created tensions with Hungary's Western allies, who have accused Orban of backsliding on democratic norms and the rule of law.
Now, there are increasing signs that the Kremlin is actively working to ensure Orban's reelection in the April 3 vote. Russian state media have been amplifying Orban's messaging and attacking his opponents, while pro-Russian disinformation campaigns have been flooding social media in Hungary.
The European Union has expressed concern about the Kremlin's interference, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warning that
Source: Deutsche Welle
