Feb. 16 (UPI) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated President Donald Trump’s support for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Monday ahead of what is expected to be a close election.
Rubio said during a news conference with Orbán in Budapest that Trump is “deeply committed” to his success, adding that it is key to the United States’ interests in Central Europe.
“That person-to-person connection that you’ve established with the president has made all the difference in the world in building this relationship,” Rubio said.
Trump has endorsed Orbán, who has transformed Hungary’s government into what he calls an “illiberal state.” Orbán has peeled away at Hungary’s system of checks and balances, moving closer to an autocratic government.
Orbán has also maintained close ties to Russia, relying on Russian energy. The United States has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from U.S. sanctions for continuing to use Russian oil and gas because of Orbán’s relationship with Trump.
“If you have financial struggles, if you face things that are impediments to growth, if you face things that threaten the stability of your country, I know that President Trump would be very interested because of your relationship with him and because of the importance of this country to us,” Rubio told Orbán.
Orbán is being challenged in Hungary’s election by Peter Magyar, a former member of his Fidesz party.
During his comments on Monday, Orbán said the United States has agreed to 17 “investments” in Hungary since Trump took office.
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