PRAGUE, April 11 (Reuters) - Czech populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis on Saturday backed Hungarian leader Viktor Orban ahead of Sunday's parliamentary election, saying he was the best choice for
Czech, Slovak leaders back ally Orban ahead of Hungary vote
Central European Leaders Rally Behind Viktor Orban Before Election
PRAGUE, April 11 (Reuters) - Czech and Slovak leaders backed Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Saturday on the eve of Hungary's parliamentary election, saying he was the best choice for the country's interests.
Orban Faces Challenging Election Amid Shifting Alliances
Opinion polls indicate Orban nL8N3ZL0R8, a nationalist who has clashed repeatedly with Brussels and has friendly ties with Russia, could be ousted nL8N40R1S5 in Sunday's vote after 16 years in power.
Support from Slovakia: Fico's Endorsement
"I have never met such a warrior for sovereignty and national interests of one's country as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban," said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Slovakia and Hungary: Allies in the Region
Under Fico, who is in power for a fourth time since 2023, Slovakia has been key ally for its neighbour Hungary, with both keeping warm relations with Moscow, opposing European Union sanctions and continuing to buy Russian oil and gas.
Both have clashed with EU institutions over the rule of law.
Czech Support: Babis Aligns with Orban
Czech populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis, a billionaire businessman who has turned from a liberal pro-EU politician into a close Orban ally in their Patriots for Europe faction in the European Parliament, also voiced his support.
"He (Orban) has always fought for a stronger Europe, one built on peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states, competitiveness," Babis said on X.
"In turbulent times, choosing stability and proven leadership matters more than ever," Babis added.
Czech Policy Shifts and Regional Dynamics
Since Babis returned to government last year after a stint in opposition, the Czech Republic has slashed aid to Ukraine and, following Hungary and Slovakia, refused to participate in EU's 90 billion euro ($105.47 billion) loan for Kyiv.
The Czech position on Russia has, however, remained more mainstream than those of Hungary and Slovakia.
Controversial Reforms and EU Relations
Babis's cabinet, which includes a far-right anti-NATO party, is trying to reverse EU decarbonisation policies, and is preparing legislation to revamp public media and bring non-governmental organisations under closer scrutiny.
His opponents say the plans are modelled on Hungarian and Slovak reforms that undermine democratic standards.
Additional Information
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(Reporting by Jan Lopatka; Editing by Jan Harvey and Alexander Smith)
