Czech, Slovak leaders back Orban ahead of Hungary vote
Czech and Slovak leaders backed Prime Minister Viktor Orban on the eve of Hungarian parliamentary elections, saying it was the choice in the country’s best interests.
Opinion polls show that Orban, who has repeatedly clashed with Brussels and has friendly relations with Russia, may be overthrown in Sunday’s elections after 16 years in power.
Opposition leader Peter Magyar is polling strongly as anger grows among Hungarians over the struggling economy.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said, “I have never met such a fierce fighter for his country’s sovereignty and national interests as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.”
Under Fico, who is in power for the fourth time since 2023, Slovakia has become an important ally for its neighbor Hungary, maintaining warm relations with Moscow, opposing European Union sanctions and continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.
Both have clashed with European Union institutions over the rule of law.
Czech populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a billionaire businessman turned pro-EU liberal politician into a close ally of Orban in the “Patriots for Europe” faction in the European Parliament, also voiced his support.
“He (Orban) always fought for peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states and a stronger Europe built on competitiveness,” Babis told X.
“In turbulent times, it is more important than ever to choose stability and proven leadership.”
Since Babis returned to government last year after a stint in the opposition, the Czech Republic has cut aid to Ukraine and refused to participate in a 90 billion euro ($149.35 billion) EU loan to Kiev, following Hungary and Slovakia.
However, the Czech Republic’s stance on Russia remains more mainstream than that of Hungary and Slovakia.
Babis’s cabinet, which includes a far-right anti-NATO party, is trying to reverse the EU’s decarbonisation policies and is preparing legislation to revamp public media and bring civil society organizations under closer scrutiny.
Opponents say the plans are modeled on Hungarian and Slovak reforms that undermine democratic standards.
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