The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Hungary has drawn attention as Republican leaders from the US gathered to endorse harsh immigration policies, crackdowns on LGBTQ rights, and a battle against “woke ideology.” The event, held in Budapest, showcased the growing embrace of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his authoritarian government by the American right.
Orbán, who has been in power for 14 years, has transformed Hungary into a laboratory for conservative policies, eroding democratic rights and civil society protections along the way. His government’s strict immigration policies, crackdown on NGOs, and promotion of a Christian nationalist view of society have drawn praise from some Trump allies who see Hungary as a model for conservative governance.
The CPAC Hungary event featured speeches from Republican members of Congress and video messages from prominent GOP figures like Steve Bannon and former President Donald Trump. Despite criticism of Orbán’s authoritarian tendencies, Republicans lauded him for his immigration policies and governance style.
Critics of Orbán’s regime argue that Hungary should serve as a warning sign, not a model to emulate. They point to the erosion of fundamental rights and the lack of fair political competition under Orbán’s rule. However, some American conservatives attending CPAC seemed more focused on the perceived success of Budapest, with one strategist marveling at the apparent absence of homelessness and crime.
The event highlighted the deepening ties between American conservatives and the Orbán government, raising concerns about the influence of authoritarian leaders on the US political landscape. As the American right looks to Hungary for inspiration, the implications of this alliance on democratic values and governance remain a topic of debate.