Orban set to be re-elected as Hungary's Prime Minister

His anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance inspiring far-right populists across Europe

Prime Minister Viktor Orban campaigning on Friday, during the final rally ahead of Hungary's general election today.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban campaigning on Friday, during the final rally ahead of Hungary's general election today. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has long been accustomed to exercising an oversized influence in Europe; he runs a small country of barely 10 million, yet his brand of politics, mixing a fierce opposition to immigration and an open hostility to Islam with staunch nationalism, has been so successful it is an inspiration to far-right populists throughout the continent.

And Mr Orban continues to have voters on his side. As Hungary goes to the polls today, he is likely to be re-elected with a huge majority, for the third time in a row. He not only dominates his nation but also much of Europe's nationalist debate.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 08, 2018, with the headline Orban set to be re-elected as Hungary's Prime Minister. Subscribe