Vance Backs Orbán as "Great Guy" Despite Election Loss

US Vice-President JD Vance has called Hungary's leader, Viktor Orbán, a "great guy" who did a "very good job." Vance made the comments after Orbán's party suffered a major election defeat. Vance said he is confident he can work with Péter Magyar. Magyar is the rising opposition leader who orchestrated the landslide loss for Orbán's Fidesz party. The US vice-president's praise comes despite Orbán's controversial policies. Orbán is often criticized by Western allies for undermining democratic norms. Vance did not address these criticisms in his statement. Vance's support signals a continued friendly US approach to Orbán's government. This is true even as a new political force gains power in Hungary.