FT: Kremlin-linked campaign seeks to boost Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary election

According to sources familiar with the matter, the campaign was developed by the Moscow-linked Social Design Agency. The plan was reportedly drafted in late 2025, and the newspaper said it had reviewed the document outlining the strategy.

Campaign materials propose portraying Orbán as “the only candidate capable of keeping Hungary sovereign and standing alongside global leaders as an equal,” as well as “a strong leader with friends around the world.”

At the same time, Orbán’s main political rival, Péter Magyar, would be depicted as “a puppet of Brussels with no external support.” The strategy also includes efforts to undermine Magyar’s Tisza party by suggesting it has a “hidden agenda.”

To avoid backlash that could arise from overt Russian involvement, the Social Design Agency reportedly avoided direct contact with the Hungarian government. Instead, the plan suggests building ties with local influencers through intermediaries.

According to the proposal, Russian strategists believe Orbán’s political concept is partly inspired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, but they also seek to avoid creating explicit links between the two leaders.

The campaign would also emphasize Orbán’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump, presenting the relationship as evidence that Trump is Hungary’s best hope for security and economic stability.

According to the report, the messaging strategy aims to appear organic, using memes, infographics, videos, and narratives developed in Russia but adapted for Hungarian audiences.

In February, the Social Design Agency began analyzing Hungarian media coverage and think tank reports to identify themes and narratives. The plan reportedly identified about 50 public figures who support Orbán and around 30 opposition figures who could be used to amplify campaign messaging.

A poll by Závecz Research published on Feb. 28 showed the opposition Tisza party ahead of Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party among decided voters. The survey found 50% support for Tisza, up from 48% in January, while Fidesz had the backing of 38% of respondents.

Earlier, on March 6, the investigative outlet VSquare reported that the Kremlin was planning to deploy social media manipulation specialists to Russia’s embassy in Budapest to influence Hungary’s elections in Orbán’s favor.

On Feb. 16, Orbán accused Ukraine of interfering in Hungary’s elections during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Hungary’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for April 12, 2026, when voters will elect a new National Assembly. Orbán, leader of the Fidesz party, has served as Hungary’s prime minister since 2010.