Arabic version: جي دي فانس يدافع عن زيارته للولايات المتحدة إلى هنغاريا قبل الانتخابات

JD Vance has pushed back against claims that the US is interfering in Hungarian politics, describing the accusations as “darkly ironic.” His remarks came during a visit to Budapest, where he expressed support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who is currently trailing in polls against the opposition Tisza party. According to The Guardian, Vance stated that his presence in Hungary was to demonstrate international support for Orbán’s government.

Vance’s visit is unprecedented for a US vice-president so close to an election, which he acknowledged. He described the situation as a response to what he termed “garbage happening against” Orbán in the election. While he aimed to bolster Orbán’s campaign, Vance insisted that his actions do not amount to foreign interference.

The German government rebuffed Vance’s claims, asserting that the EU is not meddling in Hungary’s electoral process. A spokesperson emphasized that Vance’s presence in Hungary “already shows, or speaks for itself, who is interfering in what.” Meanwhile, opposition leader Péter Magyar stated firmly that no foreign country should influence Hungarian elections, highlighting the significance of national sovereignty.

As the elections approach, polling indicates that the Tisza party could win a two-thirds majority in Hungary’s 199-seat parliament, a development that could allow significant constitutional changes. The election has been characterized by polarization, with Orbán’s Fidesz party framing it as a choice between war or peace, while the opposition focuses on domestic issues like corruption and economic stagnation.