Politics
Putin ally Viktor Orban wins fourth term as Hungary's leader, says Zelensky an 'opponent'
Hungary is heavily reliant on Russian energy
April 4, 2022 2:46pm
Updated: April 5, 2022 8:42am
Hungarian leader and Russian ally Viktor Orban has won a fourth consecutive term — in a decisive win in which he ran in opposition to the European Union and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Prime Minister Orban in his victory speech on Sunday referred to Zelensky as one his "opponents," amid Russia's roughly six-week invasion of Ukraine.
Orban's Fidesz party strengthened its position in Parliament, prevailing over projections of a tight race. With almost all ballots counted, the party won 53% of the vote over a united coalition of opposition parties, according to CNN.
Hungary is heavily reliant on Russian energy.
Putin congratulated Orban on his victory, a Kremlin spokesperson said Monday.
Opposition leader Peter Marki-Zay even failed to win in his own district, where he had served as mayor, CNN reported.