In the race for the U.S. vice presidency, Democratic candidate Tim Walz and Republican candidate JD Vance showcase starkly different views on Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. These differences highlight the broader ideological divide between the two candidates.
Tim Walz Criticizes Viktor Orbán
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ newly chosen running mate, has openly criticized Viktor Orbán, calling him undemocratic. In a recent interview with Fox News, Walz emphasized that a responsible foreign policy should respect alliances and avoid close ties with autocrats like Orbán and Vladimir Putin. He stated, “A foreign policy that respects our alliances — not cozying up to dictators like Putin and Orbán — [is] the way to go.”
Walz’s comments went beyond those of President Joe Biden, who remarked in March that Orbán “doesn’t think democracy works, he’s looking for dictatorship.” Biden’s comments had already caused a stir within the Hungarian government, which is keen on strengthening ties with the Republican Party, especially with JD Vance.
JD Vance Praises Orbán’s Policies
JD Vance, the vice presidential nominee alongside Donald Trump, has praised Orbán on various platforms. Vance has particularly supported Orbán’s educational policies. He suggested that the U.S. should emulate Hungary’s ban on teaching critical race theory and gender theory, stating, “What do you do at the Department of Education? Well, you do what Viktor Orbán has done in Hungary,” on a right-wing podcast.
Vance also defended Orbán’s close ties with China, attributing them to poor American leadership. Vance’s support for Orbán aligns with Trump’s views. Trump has described Orbán as a strong and tough leader, which highlights the admiration that some Republicans have for the Hungarian prime minister.
Orbán’s Support for a Trump Victory
Viktor Orbán has thrown his support behind a Republican victory in the upcoming U.S. election. In a speech at the Tusványos summer camp in late July, Orbán declared, “Trump is at the gates.” He even mentioned that his advisers are actively involved with Trump’s campaign team. Orbán’s administration believes that a Trump victory would benefit Hungary and align with their interests.
Orbán was notably one of the few foreign leaders Trump mentioned in his nomination acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. Trump’s praise for Orbán further solidifies the Hungarian leader’s hopes for a Trump comeback in the 2024 election.
A Clear Divide
The diverging views of Walz and Vance on Orbán highlight the broader ideological split in the U.S. political landscape. While Walz emphasizes the importance of democratic values and alliances, Vance praises Orbán’s policies and governance style. As the election approaches, these differences will continue to shape the debate over the U.S.’s role in global politics and its stance on foreign leaders like Viktor Orbán.
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