The Kremlin is set to launch a disinformation campaign in Hungary to bolster Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections, amid polls indicating a lead for the Tisza party. According to the Moscow Times, this plan, approved by the Russian presidential administration, aims to spread pro-Fidesz content on Hungarian social networks, utilizing memes, infographics, and videos disguised as local user-generated content.
The campaign portrays Orbán as a defender of Hungary’s sovereignty and a respected leader, while his opponent, Tisza leader Péter Magyar, is depicted as a “puppet of Brussels.” Currently, polls show about 48% support for the Tisza party and 39% for Fidesz, with a consistent 10-point gap since last summer.
The Russian Agency for Social Design, already sanctioned for election interference, plans to adopt a different approach this time, engaging local influencers indirectly to mask Moscow’s role. The strategy includes highlighting Orbán’s ties to former US President Donald Trump and positioning him as a crucial partner for Washington.
Economic challenges such as stagnation and high inflation remain significant hurdles for Orbán, who has been in power for 16 years. Prior public support from Moscow included claims about potential regime change in Budapest favoring Magyar.
