Vance backs Orban at Budapest rally, criticizes EU bureaucracy

During the rally, Vance placed a phone call to U.S. President Donald Trump, who addressed the crowd briefly, praising Hungary and describing Orban as a fantastic man who had kept the country strong by resisting outside pressures. In his speech, Vance praised Hungary's policies on sovereignty, border control, family support and energy security, while criticizing EU leaders over migration, energy prices and the bloc's handling of national sovereignty. Though describing Hungary as an alternative model in Europe, he said the country can be pro-Europe, pro-America, and pro its own people at the same time, encouraging voters to participate in the election and stand with Orban, while warning against external influence in domestic political processes. Orban, who has been in power since 2010, is seeking re-election in what observers describe as his most challenging contest ever, with parliamentary elections scheduled for Sunday, April 12.