US Vice President Vance Backs Orbán in Budapest With $500M Oil Deal
Key Takeaways
- US Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest to back Orbán's re-election bid.
- MOL Nyrt to purchase 500,000 tonnes of US oil worth about $500 million.
- Deal to be announced at Orbán–Vance press conference.
Vance's Campaign Visit
Five days before Hungary's elections, US Vice President Vance arrived to endorse Orbán.
“Live - Hungary has agreed to buy 500,000 tons of oil from the United States worth up to $500 million, during the visit of U”
Vance launched a blistering attack on the EU, accusing it of one of the worst examples of foreign election interference.
The visit was clearly designed to boost Orbán, who faces historic challenges from opposition leader Péter Magyar.
Hungary-US Energy Deal
Hungary's MOL agreed to buy 500,000 tons of US oil for about $500 million.
Orbán has maintained close ties to Putin even as negotiating deals with Washington.
Opposition leader Magyar described Orbán as a client of Russia.
Contrasting Visions for Hungary
The election pits two starkly different visions for Hungary's future.
Independent polls showed Orbán trailing by as much as 16 percentage points.
Vance's visit was as much about cementing transatlantic economic ties as the election.
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