Orbán starts his 'anti-war roadshow' as Hungary gears up for election

Hungary's prime minister has kicked off a weeks-long “antiwar roadshow”, turning criticism of European support for Ukraine into an early campaign message before next year’s elections.

- Lili Rutai Oliver Holmes

Viktor Orbán' is scheduled to stage an event in five cities before the end of the year, and started with an assembly on Saturday in the northwestern city of Győr.

“Those who want peace will join us,” the rightwing leader of the Fidesz party said in a Facebook post before the event.

The series of rallies began a week after Orbán’s visit to Washington DC, where he met Donald Trump, who agreed to grant Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on importing oil and gas from Russia.

The agreement was seen as a boost for Orbán, who has been in power for 15 years, during uncertain economic times for the country.

According to insiders, another of Orbán’s priorities for the trip was to persuade Trump to visit Hungary for a meeting with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, with whom Orbán has maintained ties despite anger from other European governments.

The Hungarian leader has repeatedly warned of the risks of an ever-spiralling war, and Orbán will be hoping the “antiwar” message can undercut his opposition before the elections, which are due to take place in April next year.