U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, declaring that the two nations are entering a golden era in bilateral relations. Rubio assured Orbán of the full support from President Donald Trump, highlighting the personal relationships that both leaders share and how beneficial they have been for enhancing U.S.-Hungarian ties. The statement is crucial as Hungary braces for parliamentary elections in April, marking the toughest challenge Orbán has faced since taking office in 2010.

During the visit, Rubio stressed that U.S. interests are aligned with Hungary's prosperity, indicating that the U.S. wants Hungary to prosper as this ultimately benefits American national interests, particularly with Orbán at the helm. However, he reiterated that the future of Hungary would be determined by its voters in the upcoming elections, which could significantly affect the political landscape.

Orbán's party, Fidesz, has been lagging behind its main opposition, led by Péter Márky-Zay, a former member of the ruling party turned fierce critic of Orbán. The opposition accuses the government of corruption and weakening democratic norms in Hungary, adding to the stakes of the elections. As the political climate heats up, support from the U.S. may play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment and the outcome of this significant electoral moment for Hungary.