Embrace for Hungary’s Orban deepens among US conservatives

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and JUSTIN SPIKE
Associated Press

Hungary’s controversial prime minister is coming to the U.S. to address a gathering of conservative activists. Viktor Orban has become a hero to many on the American right for his push against immigration, gay rights and progressives. He champions what he describes as “illiberal democracy.” Orban also is an example of what international analysts say is a new type of authoritarianism. His party has seized control of much of Hungary’s judiciary and media. As the GOP embraces restrictions on voting and defends former President Donald Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, its embrace of Orban is raising new concerns about its commitment to democracy.