Kremlin Backs Disinformation Campaign to Aid Orbán’s Re-Election Bid

The Kremlin has approved a covert campaign to support Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party ahead of Hungary’s April 12 parliamentary election, according to reports from the Financial Times and The Moscow Times. The operation aims to bolster Orbán’s chances of re-election through a coordinated social media effort.

Details of the Disinformation Campaign

The plan, drafted by the Kremlin-linked Social Design Agency, involves spreading pro-Orbán content – including messages, memes, infographics, and short videos – on Hungarian social media platforms. This content will be disguised as originating from local users and shared by influential Hungarians, creating an illusion of grassroots support. Financial Times

The campaign seeks to portray Orbán as the sole leader capable of defending Hungary’s sovereignty and maintaining relationships with global powers. Simultaneously, it aims to discredit his primary rival, Péter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, by depicting him as a “Brussels puppet” lacking independent support. The Moscow Times

Current Polling Data

Despite the campaign, current opinion polls indicate that Péter Magyar’s Tisza party holds a lead. According to Politico’s Poll of Polls, Tisza has approximately 48% support, compared to roughly 39% for Fidesz. This gap has been consistent since last summer. The Moscow Times

Social Design Agency and Previous Interference

The Social Design Agency, responsible for drafting the plan, is already under Western sanctions for previous election interference activities. In 2024, the U.S. Justice Department accused the agency of running “Doppelgänger,” a disinformation operation that utilized fake news websites to spread pro-Russian narratives and undermine trust in governments supporting Ukraine. The Moscow Times

To avoid political repercussions, the agency has reportedly avoided direct contact with the Hungarian government. The Moscow Times

Emphasis on U.S. Ties

The campaign will also highlight Orbán’s relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, presenting Trump as Hungary’s best prospect for security and economic stability. The Moscow Times

Kremlin and Hungarian Government Denials

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations as “fake,” stating that such claims have frequently surfaced in recent years. The Hungarian government has also denied any Russian interference. The Moscow Times

Accusations of Russian Interference

Hungary recently accused Russia of attempting to influence its election, alleging the arrival of Russian military intelligence officers in Budapest under diplomatic cover. The Moscow Times

Putin’s Direct Involvement

According to independent Hungarian outlet VSquare, Russian President Vladimir Putin tasked Kremlin deputy chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko with ensuring Orbán’s victory. Sources cited by the Financial Times suggest that Russian operatives involved in the effort are likely working under Kiriyenko’s direction, who has overseen similar campaigns abroad. The Moscow Times

Russia’s Declining Propaganda Capabilities

Interestingly, Peskov also acknowledged that Russia is “rapidly losing the toolkit for our propaganda perform abroad,” citing the dominance of “hostile social networks” across the CIS and globally. The Moscow Times