Vance backs Orban at Budapest rally, criticizes EU bureaucracy

U.S. Vice President JD Vance attended a campaign rally in Budapest on Tuesday afternoon alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, criticizing European Union (EU) policies and expressing support for Orban ahead of upcoming elections.

Speaking at an event called "The day of Hungarian American Friendship" at the MTK Sportpark, Vance called on Hungarians to defend national sovereignty and urged resistance to what he described as "European bureaucracy."

During the rally, Vance placed a phone call to U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed the crowd briefly, praising Hungary and describing Orban as "a fantastic man" who had kept the country "strong" by resisting outside pressures.

In his speech, Vance praised Hungary's policies on sovereignty, border control, family support and energy security, while criticizing EU leaders over migration, energy prices and the bloc's handling of national sovereignty.

Though describing Hungary as an alternative model in Europe, he said the country can be "pro-Europe," "pro-America," and "pro" its own people at the same time, encouraging voters to participate in the election and "stand with Orban," while warning against external influence in domestic political processes.

Orban, who has been in power since 2010, is seeking re-election in what observers describe as his most challenging contest ever, with parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday, April 12.