Budapest – On the eve of the country’s decisive April elections, a unit of the Russian foreign intelligence service began last month to warn of a sharp decline in popular support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose pro-Moscow tilt has for a long time provided the Kremlin with a strategic position within NATO and the EU. According to data from this unit, such developments could affect the country’s political landscape and complicate foreign-policy calculations during the campaign. At the same time, it is stressed that close ties with Moscow remain an important element of Orbán’s foreign-policy orientation and his standing in the elections. Analysts note that such assessments by foreign intelligence services underscore the high level of influence external factors have on pre-election activity and political calculations in the country. As the vote draws near, experts expect developments and possible adjustments in the campaign’s tactics.

Source: Washington Post March 22, 2026 14:32 UTC