US VP Defends Role in Hungary Election as Opposition Gains Ground

US Vice President JD Vance has pushed back against claims that the US is interfering in Hungarian politics, describing the accusations as "darkly ironic", as a set of polls suggested the opposition Tisza party could win a supermajority in the upcoming elections.

After spending his first day in Budapest excoriating the EU and accusing it of being behind one of the "worst examples" of foreign interference, the US Vice President spent part of Wednesday morning speaking at a think tank and educational institution linked to Hungary's leader, Viktor Orbán.

Vance argued that the US had to "show" its support for Orbán, a controversial figure who has been accused of democratic backsliding and cracking down on press freedom. However, the opposition Tisza party has been gaining momentum, with polls suggesting they could win a supermajority in the upcoming elections.

The Hungarian elections are seen as a crucial test for the country's democracy, with the Tisza party promising to reverse many of Orbán's policies and strengthen democratic institutions. The US Vice President's visit and comments have added to the already tense political climate in the country.

Vance's dismissal of claims of US interference has been met with skepticism by critics, who argue that the US has a vested interest in the outcome of the Hungarian election. The Vice President has defended his actions, saying that the US has a responsibility to support its allies and partners in the region.

As the Hungarian election draws closer, the role of the US and other international actors will continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate. The Tisza party's potential victory would represent a significant shift in the country's political landscape and could have far-reaching implications for the region as a whole.