BBC World Service

Orbán's Election: A Test for Washington and Moscow

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Orbán's Election: A Test for Washington and Moscow
A tight election in Hungary this weekend could reshape its relationships with both the United States and Russia. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces a unified opposition for the first time. The vote is seen as the most serious challenge to his 12-year rule. Orbán is a controversial figure in the West. He has built strong ties with Moscow and Beijing while clashing with the European Union over democratic standards. A victory for Orbán would likely mean more friction with Washington. It would also mean continued support for Russia within the EU. A win for the opposition coalition promises a swift pro-Western shift. It would seek closer EU and NATO ties, directly challenging Russian influence in Central Europe. The BBC's Europe Editor, Katya Adler, reports from Orbán's hometown of Felscút, where the campaign is in its final hours.