The US Vice President JD Vance is set to arrive in Budapest on Tuesday and Wednesday for discussions with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, just days ahead of the crucial 12 April election, where Orbán faces his most significant opposition in recent years.

The White House has confirmed that US Vice President JD Vance will be in Hungary on Tuesday and Wednesday, during the final stretch of the electoral campaign before the nationwide general elections.

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According to the White House, Vance will meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and speak about the «strong partnership between the United States and Hungary.»

This visit takes place amid preparations for the critical election on 12 April, where Orbán’s 16-year leadership is challenged most fiercely. Opinion surveys show the opposition Tisza party, led by Péter Magyar, ahead of Orbán’s Fidesz.

The Trump administration has openly backed Orbán’s conservative and anti-immigration policies. In February, former President Donald Trump officially endorsed the Hungarian leader ahead of the elections.

“I proudly supported Viktor in the 2022 elections, and it is an honour to do so again,” Trump stated in his February message.

Trump has a track record of endorsing right-wing conservative politicians actively. He backed Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and Argentina’s Javier Milei during their campaigns; both secured victories.