Czech Leader Stands by Hungary’s Orbán Ahead of Key Vote

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš threw his support behind Hungary’s Viktor Orbán just before Sunday’s election, calling him the right leader to handle Hungary’s challenges. Polls suggest Orbán, a long-time nationalist who often clashes with the EU and keeps close ties with Russia, might lose power for the first time in 16 years to former ally Peter Magyar. Babiš framed his backing as a choice for stability over change, writing on X that Orbán fights for a Europe where countries have more control, compete well globally, and stay peaceful. The message highlights Orbán’s appeal to leaders who value strong leadership in uncertain times.Babiš wasn’t always Orbán’s ally. Once seen as a pro-EU liberal, he now shares Orbán’s political group in the European Parliament. Since returning to power last year, his government cut financial aid to Ukraine and skipped a €90 billion EU loan for Kyiv. Still, Czech foreign policy on Russia hasn’t fully aligned with Hungary or Slovakia’s softer stance toward Moscow. Back home, Babiš’s government pushes policies that challenge EU green goals. His coalition, which includes a far-right party critical of NATO, is also rewriting rules for public media and tightening oversight of NGOs. Critics argue these moves copy Orbán’s playbook, which many see as weakening democratic norms. Babiš’s shift from liberal economics to populist politics reflects broader trends in Central Europe. As allies like Orbán face test at the polls, the region’s future direction hangs in balance.