Viktor Orbán has released a campaign video featuring 11 right‑wing and populist figures — from Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Meloni to Javier Milei and Rob Schneider — backing his bid for a fifth term ahead of Hungary’s 12 April 2026 election. Domestically, Orbán faces a serious challenge from former ally Péter Magyar, who leads in polls and accuses Fidesz of corruption and democratic erosion. The campaign also spotlights Hungary’s controversial energy ties to Russia and Orbán’s resistance to EU support for Ukraine.
Global Right‑Wing Figures Back Orbán in High‑Stakes Campaign Ahead of Hungary Vote
Ahead of Hungarian elections in April 2026, right-wing world leaders and opposition figures come together in a video supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is running for re-election.- Clipped From Video
A high‑profile online campaign video has gathered right‑wing and populist figures from around the world to endorse Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as he seeks a fifth consecutive term in the parliamentary election on 12 April 2026.
The clip, published this week by Orbán’s campaign, features 11 national leaders and hard‑right personalities — including France’s Marine Le Pen, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, Argentina’s Javier Milei, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, AfD co‑leader Alice Weidel, and the actor Rob Schneider — each voicing support for the prime minister.
What the Video Says
Speakers praise Orbán as a defender of national sovereignty, traditional values and security. In the film, Netanyahu says:
"Security cannot be taken for granted. It must be won... I think Viktor Orbán has all those qualities."Other contributors cast Orbán as a leading figure for nationalist and conservative movements across Europe.
Orbán, pictured with Vladimir Putin in Moscow in November, has tacked closer to the Russian president than any other EU leader. - Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images
Domestic Challenge and Criticism
At home, Orbán faces a credible challenge from Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz ally whose Tisza party has led opinion polls for more than a year. Magyar's campaign focuses on allegations of government corruption, promises to revive the economy and curtail perceived democratic backsliding under Fidesz after more than 16 years in power.
Critics charge Orbán’s government with undermining democratic checks and media freedom, and with presiding over economic stagnation. Supporters counter that his emphasis on stability, immigration control and cultural conservatism resonates with many voters.
Russia, Energy and European Politics
The video also alludes to the war in Ukraine and Hungary’s controversial stance toward EU efforts to support Kyiv. Orbán met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in November and has repeatedly blocked or delayed EU initiatives to finance Ukraine’s defence. He has proposed a national petition to rally domestic backing for rejecting the EU’s most recent financial package for Ukraine.
Orbán met with Trump in the White House in November, hoping to secure an exemption from US sanctions on buying Russian oil which he had said would bring Hungary's economy "to its knees." - Getty Images
In November, Orbán secured a one‑year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil during a Washington visit. The exemption came amid criticism that Hungary has deepened — rather than reduced — its reliance on Russian crude: a report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air found Russia supplied over 90% of Hungary’s crude oil last year, up from 61% before the invasion of Ukraine.
US Connections and Reactions
No US government officials appear in the campaign film, though actor Rob Schneider appeals directly to Hungarian voters to "protect your great culture and your amazing country." Separately, former US President Donald Trump wrote Orbán in December wishing him "the best of luck" with his campaign.
Why It Matters
This high‑visibility show of international support highlights Orbán’s role as a symbolic leader for Europe’s nationalist right and underscores the stakes of Hungary’s April election — for domestic governance, European unity on Ukraine, and energy ties with Russia.
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