Conservative leaders and politicians from across the globe gathered in Budapest on Saturday, March 21, for CPAC Hungary 2026, a high-profile conference held just weeks before the country’s parliamentary elections on April 12.
The event, organised by the Center for Fundamental Rights in partnership with the American Conservative Union, is the fifth instalment of the Budapest-based conference, which has become a global meeting point for patriotic, conservative, and anti-globalist forces.
The conference comes amid growing tensions between Budapest and EU institutions, with Brussels pressuring the Hungarian conservative government over its anti-migration and anti-gender policies, as well as its reluctance to support Ukraine militarily.
The European Commission has also activated its so-called Rapid Response System to police online content during the Hungarian campaign—an unprecedented move that conservatives say amounts to political interference favouring the left-wing opposition.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán highlighted what he described as a global shift towards conservative politics. Referring to Donald Trump’s election victory in the United States last year, Orbán said the past year marked a turning point for patriots, with a rollback of gender propaganda and a renewed emphasis on Christianity and national identity.
He also pointed to political developments in Latin America and Central Europe as evidence of a broader ideological realignment, praising leaders such as Argentine president Javier Milei for economic reforms and arguing that “common sense, not left-wing madness, leads forward.”
Orbán said Hungary is an “advance guard” in a wider struggle over the future of Europe, adding that patriotic forces were fighting for the “soul of the Western world.” He accused Brussels and left-wing leaders of driving Europe into economic decline while prioritising migrants, Ukraine, and green ideology over their own citizens.
In a video message, Donald Trump endorsed Orbán ahead of the April vote, calling him “a strong leader” capable of defending borders and national values. “Our two countries are showing the way towards a revitalised West,” Trump said.
Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš described the conference as a sign of political courage in a time of uncertainty, stressing the importance of sovereignty, security, and stability. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the role of national traditions and Christian identity in navigating geopolitical tensions, expressing hope that Hungary’s election would have wider implications for Europe.
Miklós Szánthó, director general of the Center for Fundamental Rights, emphasised opposition to war and migration, stating that Hungary faces sustained pressure from both Brussels and Ukraine. “This is not our war,” he said.
Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the American Conservative Union, praised Orbán’s long-standing opposition to globalism, arguing that Central Europe has become a new focal point for conservative politics on the continent. He added that the outcome of Hungary’s upcoming election would be closely watched worldwide.
