Orban’s Re-Election Hopes Get a Shot in Arm From Trump and Putin

Viktor Orban and President Donald Trump in Sharm el-Sheikh, on Oct. 13. — Viktor Orban and President Donald Trump in Sharm el-Sheikh, on Oct. 13.
Photographer: Yoan Valat/EPA/AP Photo

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By Andras Gergely and Marton Kasnyik

October 17, 2025 at 11:50 AM UTC

Viktor Orban has been handed a moment in the global spotlight, and with it an opportunity to lift his campaign for re-election in Hungary next year.

The Hungarian premier is looking to reap the rewards from years of courting US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin when he hosts the two leaders in Budapest in about two weeks’ time.