Summary
Viktor Orbán, Hungary's Prime Minister, has been in power for 16 years but faces a strong challenge in the upcoming April elections. He is known for transforming Hungary into what some call a "hybrid regime" and has had clashes with the European Union, especially regarding the war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has endorsed him, and he is considered a key ally of Vladimir Putin in the EU.
Key Facts
- Viktor Orbán has been leader of Hungary for 16 years, the longest of any current European Union leader.
- He faces a significant challenge in the April elections, with polls suggesting a potential defeat by Péter Magyar, a former ally.
- Orbán's governance style is described as a "hybrid regime of electoral autocracy" by the European Parliament.
- He has clashed with the EU, particularly over the war in Ukraine, where he has blocked funding to Kyiv.
- President Donald Trump supports Orbán's bid for another term.
- Orbán has close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, being seen as his strongest partner in the EU.
- Despite accusations of corruption and increasing isolation, he retains popularity among certain Hungarian voters.
- Orbán's career began as a law student in Budapest in the 1980s, where he founded a political movement opposing Soviet influence.
