Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has emerged at the forefront of international conservative movements, as evidenced by his keynote address at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Budapest. In this striking speech, Orban suggested that the emergence of what he termed a “Trump tornado” is fostering renewed hope for stability and order worldwide.
Originally conceived as a platform for Republican party members in the United States, CPAC has evolved into a global gathering for radical right-wing factions. Its recent expansion into Europe has been facilitated by the Foundation for Fundamental Rights, an NGO supported by the Orban administration, denoting a strategic alignment of conservative ideologies across borders.
Despite Orban’s historical standing, he faces mounting challenges domestically. The United Nations’ recent focus on the political climate has highlighted growing discontent among Hungarian citizens, spurred by concerns over corruption, economic issues, and strained international relations. A new opposition movement, led by former Fidesz member Peter Magyar, appears to be gaining ground ahead of the critical 2026 elections, polling ahead of Orban’s coalition by several percentage points.
In response to this shifting political landscape, Orban’s government has intensified its efforts to suppress dissent. Recent legislative proposals threaten the freedoms of opposition politicians and independent media organizations, invoking concerns reminiscent of authoritarian practices seen in other regions. This increasing crackdown on civil liberties has raised alarms among European Union member states, which collectively urged Orban to reconsider these new measures.
The implications of Orban’s politicization extend beyond Hungary’s borders, as his confrontational approach has the potential to hinder European unity, a cornerstone of collective security and economic cooperation in an era marked by rising geopolitical tensions. The EU has previously initiated discussions regarding Hungary’s commitment to democratic principles through the Article 7 process, but significant action remains pending.
At CPAC 2025, Orban sought to fortify alliances with a coalition of Central European leaders capable of countering EU scrutiny and sanctions. Notably, members from Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia did not join calls condemning Hungary’s perceived democratic erosion, highlighting a fragmented response to the rule of law within the EU.
The growing collaboration among far-right parties indicates a strategic pivot that Orban is leveraging to maintain his robust support base, even amidst criticism. However, Hungary’s relatively small size and Orban’s isolation from mainstream European politics pose challenges to his ambition of extending his influence across the continent.
Orban’s drive for a united front among his regional allies exemplifies his determination to sustain a political identity steeped in conservative governance. The dynamics at play in Hungary and beyond underline the complexities of contemporary European politics in an era increasingly defined by ideological divisions.
Through his engagements at forums like CPAC, Orban not only seeks to consolidate his power but also aims to attain the larger vision of a politically cohesive and ideologically united Europe that could potentially reshape its future.
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