Trending Now - Far-right Parties in Europe Support Orbán Ahead of Hungary's Election
WHO:
Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary
Leaders of over a dozen European far-right parties
Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally
Matteo Salvini, leader of Italy's League
Geert Wilders, leader of the Dutch Party for Freedom
Kim Lane Scheppele, professor of sociology and international affairs at Princeton University
Patriots for Europe, a group set up in 2024 by Orbán and his far-right allies
WHAT:
A gathering of far-right leaders took place in Budapest to support Orbán ahead of the election.
Orbán has been in power since 2010 and has won four consecutive elections.
The election is scheduled for April 12, 2026.
Most surveys indicate Orbán is trailing behind a center-right challenger.
The Patriots for Europe group is the third-largest in the European Parliament.
Le Pen stated, “On April 12, you will send a new message of strength and determination to tired old technocrats in Brussels.”
Trump endorsed Orbán’s reelection in a video message to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
WHERE:
Budapest, Hungary
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was also held in Budapest.
WHEN:
The gathering occurred on Monday, March 23, 2026.
The election is on April 12, 2026.
Le Pen is challenging a verdict from March 2025.
WHY:
The gathering aimed to show support for Orbán as his political influence appears to be waning.
Orbán's political successes have made him a key figure in the global far-right movement.
The Patriots group seeks to promote national sovereignty and conservative values in opposition to immigration and European integration.
HOW:
The assembly featured speeches from 13 leaders who praised Orbán and urged support for his Fidesz party.
Orbán has utilized the resources of the Hungarian state to support the far-right movement in Europe.
(UPDATED March 24, 2026 07:37 UTC)
On Monday, March 23, a gathering of far-right leaders, including Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and notable figures like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini, took place in Budapest to rally support for Orbán ahead of the upcoming election on April 12. This assembly, which featured speeches from thirteen leaders praising Orbán and urging support for his Fidesz party, comes as surveys indicate he is trailing behind a center-right challenger, marking a significant moment in his political career since he has been in power since 2010. In a show of solidarity, Trump endorsed Orbán’s reelection in a video message during the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the same city.