Visegrad Group society · April 2026

Iran’s recent political and economic turmoil has contradicted the optimistic portrayal of the country promoted by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had cited Hungary as a model for Iran. Analysts suggest that removing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from power may prove simpler than addressing the underlying systemic issues that enabled his rule. Hungarian voters are calling for a new EU approach but maintain a tough stance on Ukraine, according to a poll. The Hungarian opposition is centering its election campaign on the country's failing healthcare system. A Guardian editorial describes Hungary's election as a bellwether contest for the global far right.