US Vice-President JD Vance defended his recent campaign trip to Hungary on Monday, insisting his support for Viktor Orbán was justified despite the Prime Minister's landslide defeat to the opposition Tisza party.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance described Orbán as a "great guy" who performed a "very good job." He characterized the outgoing leader as one of the few European figures willing to challenge the Brussels bureaucracy.
While Vance expressed sadness over the election result, he stated the United States would "work very well" with the incoming administration.
Incoming leader Péter Magyar previously criticized Vance's intervention, stating last week that no foreign nation should interfere in Hungarian elections. However, Magyar noted on Monday that the US remains a "strong and important" NATO partner and expressed willingness to engage with US leadership.
Magyar promises anti-corruption overhaul
Magyar, who secured a supermajority of 137 seats, intends to use his legislative power to reverse Orbán-era policies and reform the judiciary. He pledged to establish an Anti-Corruption Office and a National Asset Recovery and Protection Office to address what he described as industrial-scale corruption.
"Hungary has been robbed bare," Magyar said, referring to the loss of billions in state contracts under the previous administration. He aims to unlock approximately €17 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring the rule of law.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she spoke with Magyar on Tuesday. She noted that "swift work" is required to realign Hungary with shared European values.
Magyar also addressed the future of state media, announcing he would refuse news coverage on public TV and radio until an independent oversight board is established. He aims to implement a model similar to the BBC to ensure unbiased reporting.
As the transition begins, Magyar plans to visit Berlin as one of his first foreign destinations. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for the rapid release of aid to Ukraine, a measure previously blocked by the Orbán government.
