Austria’s Extreme Right Strengthens Ties with Hungary’s Viktor Orbán

The Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) and Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party have strengthened their ties, with FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in Vienna on Thursday.

The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions between Austria and Hungary, with Vienna criticizing Budapest’s close ties to Russia and its authoritarian policies.

The FPÖ is the third-largest party in Austria and has been accused of having links to neo-Nazi groups. Kickl has been a vocal supporter of Orbán, and the two leaders have met on several occasions in recent years.

The meeting between Kickl and Orbán is likely to further strain relations between Austria and Hungary. Vienna has been critical of Budapest’s close ties to Russia, and has accused Orbán of authoritarianism.

Orbán has defended his relationship with Russia, saying that it is in Hungary’s national interest. He has also dismissed accusations of authoritarianism, saying that he is simply defending traditional Hungarian values.

The FPÖ has been a vocal supporter of Orbán, and has called for closer ties between Austria and Hungary. Kickl has said that he believes Orbán is a “strong leader” who is “defending Europe from the forces of globalism.”

The meeting between Kickl and Orbán is likely to further strengthen the ties between the FPÖ and Fidesz. It is also likely to further strain relations between Austria and Hungary.