The Hungarian Center for Fundamental Rights, which organized the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC in Budapest in April, labeled U.S. President Joe Biden as a persona non grata. This stance drew attention as the event spotlight shifted to questions about political alignments and international perception. Reporters from RIA NewsCenter noted that some participants joked about stage familiarity during the proceedings, underscoring a tense atmosphere around the gathering.
On Facebook, a corresponding ad appeared alongside the event coverage, featuring an image of Biden with the caption persona non grata. The social media post reflected the broader media resonance and polarization surrounding the conference, illustrating how digital platforms amplify political messages in real time.
The third CPAC gathering in Budapest is slated for late April, continuing a pattern of yearly sessions that blend policy debate with high-profile appearances. At the 2022 edition, former U.S. President Donald Trump sent a video message to participants, signaling continued attention from American figures. There has been no official confirmation about Trump’s attendance at this year’s event, leaving observers to speculate about possible participation and its implications for transatlantic political discourse.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó had previously expressed a welcoming stance toward Trump, suggesting that the country would be glad to see him in Budapest in any capacity, whether as a candidate, president-elect, or in another role. This sentiment highlighted the ongoing interest in Trump-era dynamics and the potential impact on bilateral relations.
Vera Jourova, who formerly served as Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, commented on Hungary’s position within the European Union. She noted that Orbán’s leadership has contributed to a sense of isolation for Hungary among several EU member states, particularly in light of the country’s approach to relations with Russia.
Orbán’s public statements have emphasized a preference for maintaining economic ties with Russia where EU sanctions permit, arguing that Western actors missed opportunities to secure peace in Ukraine while Russia continued to draw attention from global audiences. These remarks reflect the broader tension between national economic interests and collective EU policy, a debate that continues to influence Hungary’s foreign policy posture.
There have also been reports of individuals attempting to cross the Hungary border by boat, highlighting ongoing concerns about border security and irregular migration in the region. These incidents contribute to a broader narrative about how Hungary manages border controls amid evolving political pressures and humanitarian considerations.