Vučić joins far-right EU cohort rallying behind Orbán ahead of 12 April Hungarian vote

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s re-election efforts, appearing in a prominent promotional video released by Orbán’s Fidesz party.

The video, posted on the social network X by Orbán himself on 11 January, compiles messages of support from a wide array of international figures, underscoring the transnational appeal of Orbán’s nationalist platform ahead of Hungary’s parliamentary elections on 12 April.

The clip opens with a statement from American actor and comedian Rob Schneider, who previously supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before endorsing Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential race. Schneider praises Hungary for resisting what he calls a “world government” and urges voters to back Orbán. It then features a series of endorsements from prominent leaders and politicians. Among sitting or former heads of government are Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Argentine President Javier Milei, and former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, now heading the European Conservatives and Reformists group. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the nationalist League party, also appears.

The video further includes messages from key far-right opposition figures in Europe: Alice Weidel, co-chair of Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD); Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s National Rally; Santiago Abascal of Spain’s Vox party; and Herbert Kickl of Austria’s Freedom Party. Vučić’s segment stands out, as he expresses hope that the elections will deliver “another victory for Fidesz,” framing the outcome as significant for shared interests across borders.

This endorsement reflects the longstanding alliance between Vučić and Orbán. Since the Serbian Progressive Party rose to power, the two leaders have cultivated exceptionally close ties, often describing bilateral relations as being at a “historic high.” Orbán has been one of the staunchest advocates for Serbia’s swift EU accession, while Vučić frequently refers to him as a “great friend.” Their cooperation extends to the Union of Vojvodina Hungarians, the main political representative of the Hungarian minority in Serbia. As a sister party to Fidesz, it participates in Serbia’s governing coalition alongside Vučić’s party, enabling coordinated policies on minority rights, border issues, and regional stability.

Orbán’s campaign launch coincides with a critical juncture in Hungarian politics. Having held power since 2010, he has shaped the country into what he terms an “illiberal democracy,” characterized by centralization of institutions, media influence, strict immigration controls, and resistance to certain EU directives on issues like LGBTQ+ rights and judicial independence. Fidesz’s slogan, “The Safe Choice,” emphasizes keeping Hungary out of the Ukraine war, blocking illegal migration, and protecting national sovereignty against perceived Brussels overreach. Economic headwinds, including persistent inflation and a cost-of-living squeeze stemming from the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, have intensified pressure to deliver tangible improvements before voting day.

For the first time in over 15 years, Orbán faces a genuine threat from Péter Magyar, a 44-year-old former Fidesz insider who left the party in 2024 after years of involvement. Magyar’s Respect and Freedom Party (TISZA), launched as a conservative alternative, has rapidly gained traction by tapping into voter frustration over corruption, judicial politicization, economic stagnation, and deteriorating public services. Magyar promises to restore judicial independence, aggressively tackle graft, unlock billions in frozen EU funds through reforms, and pursue pragmatic relations with Russia while keeping Hungary firmly in the EU and NATO.

Independent polls in late 2025 and early 2026 have shown TISZA leading, with support often in the mid-to-high 40s among decided voters compared to Fidesz’s lower 40s or less, though a pool of undecideds keeps the race fluid.

The international backing in the video illustrates a broader network of populist and nationalist forces rallying around Orbán’s vision. Governing figures like Meloni and Netanyahu represent established right-wing populism, while opposition leaders such as Le Pen and Weidel highlight shared opposition to liberal EU policies on migration, identity, and sovereignty. Vučić’s participation bolsters this narrative, positioning the April 12 vote as a broader contest for patriotic governance in Europe.

As the campaign unfolds, the stakes extend beyond Hungary. A Fidesz victory would reinforce the momentum of nationalist leaders challenging EU centralization, while a TISZA triumph could mark a pro-European pivot, potentially easing conflicts with Brussels, releasing withheld funds, and revitalizing the economy. With less than three months until the polls, both camps are intensifying efforts in what promises to be one of Hungary’s most consequential elections since the fall of communism.

Sources: BETA, BGNES, Hungarian Conservative, Reuters

Caption: A handout photo made available by the Serbian Presidency shows Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (R) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (L) having burek (leafy cheese or meat pie) at a bakery as they visit Subotica, Serbia, 27 November 2025. The two leaders met to expand bilateral and friendly relations between Serbia and Hungary. EPA/DIMITRIJE GOLL/SERBIAN PRESIDENCY HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES