If Orban wins, Putin will be delighted

Excerpt

In June 1989, a 26-year-old Viktor Orban demanded free elections and the withdrawal of Soviet troops in what was a defining moment in Hungary’s democratic awakening. He was a young dissident challenging Moscow, a symbol of hope for a country emerging from decades of authoritarian rule.

Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. As Hungary approaches the results of its parliamentary elections today, Orban, who once said “Nyet” to Moscow, now cultivates ties with Vladimir Putin and has transformed Hungary into a gateway for foreign meddling.

Ivana Stradner is a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.