As Hungary's parliamentary elections approach in less than two months, relations between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and former U.S. President Donald Trump appear to be evolving. Recently, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited Budapest, expressing support for Orbán's government, which he described as a key partner in promoting a "golden age" of U.S.-Hungarian relations. Rubio's remarks, emphasizing that Trump is "deeply involved" in Orbán's campaign, indicate a significant alignment between the two leaders, especially given Trump's populist and authoritarian tendencies that resonate with Orbán's political style.

The article highlights Rubio's transformation from a critic to a supporter of Orbán, noting how his prior concerns about Hungary's democratic backsliding have been overshadowed by the broader geopolitical alignments and the increasing necessity of electoral support. The contrasting campaign strategies of Orbán and opposition parties are examined, particularly in light of Hungary's pressing economic issues, suggesting that while Orbán's tactics may focus on populism and nationalism, the opposition could struggle to effectively mobilize public sentiment against him.

Additionally, the implications for the European Union regarding potential financial support for Hungary are addressed, positing that any assistance could be influenced by Orbán's foreign policy shifts and Hungary's relations with Russia and the United States. The complexities of navigating EU values and the realities of political alliances in a time of crisis for Hungary form a crucial backdrop for understanding the electoral landscape and the stakes involved in the forthcoming elections, both for Orbán and for Europe’s stance towards Hungary's governance.