Orban’s closeness to Putin is increasingly being rejected by the Hungarian population.Image: Getty Images Europe
A Russia expert sees evidence of coordinated attempts to influence Moscow in the Hungarian election campaign. At the same time, close contacts between Budapest and Russia are also coming into greater focus.
April 12, 2026, 6:10 p.mApril 12, 2026, 6:10 p.m
Political scientist András Rácz warns against Russia’s deliberate influence on the elections in Hungary. In an interview with the Hungarian news portal Telex, he said that at least three Russian state-affiliated organizations had interfered in the election campaign. This should include, among other things, the foreign intelligence service as well as military and media-related actors who support campaigns, especially on social media.
From Moscow’s perspective, Viktor Orbán’s government is an important partner because it can exert influence within the EU and NATO. Rácz speaks of joint information campaigns between Russia and the Hungarian government. Russian narratives have recently found their way into state media to a much greater extent, especially in connection with the Ukraine war.
Published telephone calls cause a stir
The allegations were made even more explosive by published minutes of conversations between top Hungarian and Russian politicians. Accordingly, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó is said to have informed his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov about internal procedures at non-public EU meetings. Contacts between Orbán and Russian President Vladimir Putin also became public.
For Rácz, this is a sign of how close the connections are. It is increasingly difficult for parts of the population to understand that an EU and NATO member communicates so intensively with Moscow. Slogans like “Russians, go home!” have recently appeared more frequently, for example at events or on social media.
Disinformation and tensions in the election campaign
The expert also sees signs of increased disinformation in the election campaign. State media would spread narratives that benefit Russia, for example by stoking anti-Ukrainian sentiment. At the same time, the possibility of unrest or foreign provocations is being discussed.
Rácz criticizes the Hungarian government’s silence on possible attempts to exert influence. Information about this comes primarily from foreign media, not from the country’s own authorities. It remains to be seen how much these factors will actually affect the outcome of the election. However, Rácz believes it is possible that trust in state institutions will come under further pressure – especially if the result is close. (mke)