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Le Pen, Wilders Praise Orbán Amid Election Tensions

3/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, and Geert Wilders praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at a Budapest far-right gathering ahead of the April 12 elections.
Le Pen described Hungary as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Wilders emphasized Orbán's commitment to his people over EU elites.
Polls show Fidesz trailing Péter Magyar, as elections approach amid criticisms of authoritarianism and EU relations.

History

Historical Context

Since 2010, Hungary's government, led by Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, has faced criticism for centralizing power and undermining media freedoms, winning 68% of parliamentary seats. This trend mirrors broader European concerns about democratic backsliding, as seen in Poland. Today, Orbán's alignment with far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen signals a growing nationalist movement that threatens EU democratic norms.

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Story summary

Marine Le Pen, leader of France's National Rally, and Geert Wilders praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at a Budapest far-right gathering ahead of the April 12 elections.
Le Pen described Hungary as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Wilders emphasized Orbán's commitment to his people over EU elites.
Polls show Fidesz trailing Péter Magyar, as elections approach amid criticisms of authoritarianism and EU relations.

1 / 2