After 16 years in power, Putin's closest friend in Europe faces a pivotal election

HungaryAfter 16 years in power, Putin's closest friend in Europe faces a pivotal electionViktor Orbán, who has frequently stood as the lone dissenting voice among E.U. leaders on the Ukraine war, faces a battle for survival in Sunday's vote.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks to voters at an election campaign rally two days before parliamentary elections on Friday in Szekesfehervar, Hungary.Sean Gallup / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 11, 2026, 5:00 PM EDTBy Alexander SmithBUDAPEST, Hungary — Few leaders have done more than Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to shape the global right-wing populism that informed President Donald Trump’s MAGA project.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.On Sunday, Orbán faces the biggest challenge of his 16-year authoritarian rule as Hungary goes to the polls for a parliamentary election.It has been a febrile campaign, with allegations of “false flag” operations, wiretapping and even an alleged sex tape plot.Usually, an election would pose little risk for Orbán. The leader goes into Sunday’s vote as the great survivor on Europe’s political stage, holding power since 2010 thanks to four back-to-back victories, each time gradually increasing his control over the judiciary and media. European Union lawmakers and many Western watchdogs no longer consider his country a full democracy.This time, however, things are different: He trails in most polls, with Vice President JD Vance flying to Budapest this week in an attempt to reverse his ally’s ailing electoral forecast. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also voiced support for Orbán, who has frequently stood as the lone dissenting voice among E.U. leaders in opposing sanctions on Russia and advocating for warmer relations with Moscow.Add NBC News to GoogleVance stumps for authoritarian leader Viktor Orban ahead of Hungary’s national election04:06Leading t...